70 years of Joyland! What are your memories of the famous seafront park?

g.y. seafront joyland snail ride august 1958 p4466 (Image: Archant)

The historic amusement park first opened on Good Friday in 1949 and has been exciting the imaginations of visitors ever since, thrilling them with its twisting, trundling and colourful rides.

Over those seven decades millions of people, both from Yarmouth and far away, have enjoyed the world famous snails and Tyrolean Tubs, among other fun rides.

The park has also been known for romance, with couples getting engaged, newlyweds recreating their first dates and many couples visiting on their wedding day.

It’s hard to believe the snails have been trundling and twisting for 70 years now.

Nikki and Bertie Moy took a spin on Joyland's snails to celebrate their wedding - having enjoyed them on their first date. (Image: Archant)

The smiling creatures have been working hard every summer, clacking along the looped track, carrying children and adults past frogs and gnomes.

Some people return to the park every year, with parents taking their children to the rides they had themselves enjoyed in their own youth.

And for a park that has now been open for 70 years it is appropriate that part of its attraction is nostalgia, with visitors keeping a special place in their affections for the snails, a childhood holiday highlight.

The park has always been owned and operated by the Coles, a local family.

GREAT YARMOUTHFLOWER ARRANGEMENT IN SHAPE OF A SNAIL BEARING NAME JOYLANDDATED AUGUST 1963PLATE P4345

Horace Cole, an entrepreneurial engineer, designed the snails and spinning Tyrolean Tubs.

The park is open everyday.

What are your memories of Joyland? E-mail your thoughts and photos to daniel.hickey@archant.co.uk

g.y seafront entrance to joyland 1958? p4470 (Image: Archant)