Flambards theme park Cornwall fans 'heartbroken' by closure

The Helston attraction, a beloved spot for families since its opening in 1976, announced today (Monday) it was shutting down immediately.

A statement on the Flambards' Facebook page revealed the closure was due to "rising costs and a steady decline in visitor numbers," which rendered further investment unsustainable.

You can read from the statement here: Flambards Theme Park announces closure with 'immediate effect'

Referencing Flambards’ promotional slogan of being ‘The best day of the week’, MP for the town, Andrew George, said: “The saddest day of the week: awful news from Flambards today. 

“After almost half a century, Flambards has been a constant in our lives, for visitor activity, employment, community events and parties.

“The owners have assured me that Ferdi's Indoor Play will remain open, and that redundancies will be kept to a minimum. But that won't lessen the blow for those who will lose their jobs. I'm deeply concerned for them, and will offer support.”

The park's Britain in the Blitz exhibition (Image: Archive) Susie Excell (neé Hale), granddaughter of Douglas and Audrey Kingsford Hale, who first started the attraction as Cornwall Aero Park, told the Packet: “Hearing the news of Flambards closing today fills me with profound sadness.

“My family’s journey with Flambards began with my grandparents, Douglas and Audrey Kingsford Hale, who transformed their passion for aviation and history into what was then Cornwall Aero Park in 1976. Audrey’s vision and love brought the Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz exhibitions to life, creating moments in time that captured the imaginations of generations.

“My late father, James, who passed away two years ago, devoted himself to transforming Flambards into the beloved theme park it became. He poured his heart into creating a place where families could share in its joy and wonder, and worked tirelessly to secure its future, culminating in its difficult but successful sale in 2013 to ensure it would continue under new ownership.

“Seeing the doors now closed is extremely saddening, knowing how much the park meant to the local community and visitors far and wide. Flambards provided work and opportunity for so many local people, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this closure.

“We will always treasure the wonderful memories that the park brought us throughout the years!”

A young James Kingsford-Hale with colleague John Stuart in the early days as Cornwall Aero Park (Image: Archive) Several fans of the attraction have spoken of their sadness and shared fond memories of the theme park.

One said: "End of an era, some great memories from working there during the summer months as a teenager, lots of laughs and good times."

Another commented: "End of an era for most Helston folk who used to spend their summers there like me.

"I went from the age of six and I'm now 34, I even watched the 1999 solar eclipse there when I was nine.

"Might sound silly but the news of its closure has made me all emotional."

Some were left concerned, especially for the staff who worked there, with a resident saying: "Thoughts are with the staff and their families.

"They are many office staff who are all year round employees now made redundant before Christmas."

The park's closure comes soon after the retirement of several older thrill rides.

It said the Victorian Village, another popular attraction, is also in need of extensive repair work and will remain closed while Flambards seeks alternative options to preserve the collection.

The Victorian Village (Image: Archive) One man shared his hope that locals would be allowed in to look around the village one last time, given that many had family relics donated items there. The Packet has contacted Flambards about the possibility and is awaiting a response. 

Despite the closure, Flambards shared some positive news about Ferdi's Funland, the indoor play centre.

This will reopen as a standalone attraction on November 17.

The closure will not affect the Masked Ball event, scheduled for November 4.

The theme park began as an exhibition hall with aviation memorabilia and aircraft, gradually expanding to 27 acres of rides and entertainment for all ages.

It has provided countless memories for generations, including the late James Kingsford-Hale, who took over as managing director from his parents, founders Douglas and Audrey Kingsford-Hale.

The park was sold by the family in 2013.

Many readers speculated about the potential development of the site.

A reader wrote: "Inevitable, remove the rides, then blame visitor numbers.

"All in time for the next phase of the housing development, always on the cards, done deal!"

One speculated: "Knew that was gonna happen the moment they got rid of most the rides, now watch the developers move in and some horrible housing estate gets put in its place."

No official indication has ever been given that this is the plan for the site, however.