Armed Forces Day set to draw thousands with RAF displays, military parade and major town centre celebrations

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Coleraine this Saturday as Armed Forces Day 2026 transforms the town into one of Northern Ireland’s largest civic celebrations, featuring military displays, flypasts, live performances and a packed programme of family entertainment.

Around 25,000 visitors are anticipated to attend the event on Saturday 20 June, with organisers describing it as a major opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families.

The large-scale celebration, hosted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in partnership with representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, will run from 10am until 4pm across Coleraine town centre and Christie Park.

For many visitors, the day will be defined by its unique blend of military tradition, spectacular aerial displays, live music, interactive exhibits and community participation.

A full day of military spectacle and family entertainment

HMS Biter arrives in Coleraine Harbour for Armed forces day

The event programme begins with quiet time sessions from 10.15am to 11am, providing a more accessible experience for visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment.

The first military parade will leave Coleraine Leisure Centre at 10.45am, travelling through the town centre before a Drumhead Service and wreath laying ceremony takes place in The Diamond at 11am.

The Mayor’s address will follow before the Royal Navy Abseil Team raises the Armed Forces Day flag.

A second and larger parade will set off at 11.30am, making its way through Coleraine before arriving at Christie Park shortly before noon.

One of the most anticipated attractions of the day will be the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, scheduled to perform at 12.15pm.

Visitors will also be treated to a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota flypast at 3pm, subject to operational availability.

Military demonstrations continue throughout the afternoon, including a gun salute display by 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery at 2pm and a rowing display by Bann Rowing Club on the River Bann.

Interactive displays and military village

Across Christie Park and the adjoining event areas, visitors will find a wide range of exhibits and activities.

Interactive military displays, military vehicles and aviation exhibits will be available throughout the day, including:

• WWII Interactive Living History Display

• Vietnam’s Wild Geese display

• Ulster Aviation Society exhibits

• Former military vehicles

• Military village attractions

• Soft play and family activity zones

Additional attractions in the mall car park area will include Ulster Aviation Society displays, museum services, jumping clay activities and military vehicle exhibitions.

Families attending can also enjoy live music, ballroom dancing, choirs, steel bands and swing performances across multiple stages and entertainment zones.

Music, bands and ceremonial performances

Pipe bands from across Northern Ireland will perform throughout the day at Christie Park, The Mall and Kingsgate Street.

The Diamond stage programme will feature performances from the RAF Band Ensemble and the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment.

A special Royal Irish Regiment concert finale is scheduled for late afternoon, bringing the celebrations to a close before Christie Park shuts at 4pm.

Visitors urged to plan ahead

With tens of thousands expected to attend, organisers and emergency services are urging visitors to make travel plans before setting out.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has introduced extensive traffic management arrangements, road closures and transport measures to accommodate the event safely.

Visitors are encouraged to travel by public transport where possible, with Coleraine Bus and Train Station located around ten minutes’ walk from Christie Park.

A free Park and Ride service will operate throughout the day from Rugby Avenue Playing Fields on the Mountsandel Road.

The service will run between 7am and 6.30pm and will include accessible shuttle buses operating regularly between the site and the event area.

Drop-off points will be located at New Market Street and The Mall Car Park.

Free Park and Stride facilities will also be available from Vineyard Church and The Crescent Playing Fields.

Road closures across town centre

A number of roads in Coleraine town centre will be closed between 7am and 7pm on Saturday.

Affected roads include:

• Kingsgate Road

• Church Street

• The Diamond

• Park Street

• New Row

• Society Street

• Stone Row

• Abbey Street

• Bridge Street

• Queen Street

• Strand Road

A single-lane closure will also be in operation adjacent to Christie Park, while one lane of the Newbridge Road dual carriageway will be closed near the Rugby Avenue Park and Ride facility.

Police have warned motorists to expect delays throughout the day and have advised those not attending the event to consider alternative routes.

There will also be no public access to Christie Park or Coleraine Leisure Centre from 6pm on Friday evening until the event concludes on Saturday.

Restricted airspace will be in place between 6am and 8pm on the day.

Safety message from organisers and police

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said the event promises to be a major celebration for residents and visitors alike.

She encouraged attendees to allow extra travel time and follow traffic management arrangements to help ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone.

Police have also urged visitors to arrive early, use designated parking facilities and report anything suspicious to security staff or officers on duty.

Officers will be deployed throughout the event, with Superintendent Yvonne McManus emphasising that members of the public can help keep the event safe by acting responsibly and remaining vigilant.

With military ceremonies, aerial displays, family attractions and live entertainment spread across the town, Armed Forces Day 2026 is set to be one of the biggest public events held in Coleraine since the town last hosted the celebration in 2018.