Coleraine to host major Armed Forces Day 2026 celebration with flypast, parade and military displays
- Love Ballymena
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
Pictured at the launch of Armed Forces Day 2026 at Coleraine Town Hall; Councillor Tanya Elder, Captain Robert Gibson BEM, Royal Logistic Corps 152 (North Irish) Regiment, Wing Commander Jacqueline Rankin (RAF), Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, Commander Tom Wardley, Senior Naval Officer NI, Councillor Dawn Huggins, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Veterans' Champion, Councillor Philip Anderson, Deputy Veterans Champion And kneeling, Eirean Hickey RAF Air Cadet, Coleraine Unit 2350 squad and Matthew Thompson, Army Cadet, Coleraine B Company 1st Battalion
Coleraine is set to host one of Northern Ireland’s largest military celebrations this summer, with Armed Forces Day 2026 expected to draw thousands of visitors for a full day of parades, aerial displays and community events on Saturday 20 June.
The flagship event, running from 10am to 4pm in Coleraine town centre, will bring together serving personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets in a high-profile public celebration recognising their service and contribution across the UK and overseas.
Town centre event to draw large crowds
Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in partnership with representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, the event will transform Coleraine into a hub of military and family-focused activity.
Residents and visitors can expect a packed programme of free entertainment, interactive exhibits and live displays designed to appeal to all ages, with organisers anticipating significant footfall from across Northern Ireland.
The council has positioned the event as a key highlight in the Borough’s summer programme, underlining both its scale and its importance within the wider regional calendar.
Parade and Drumhead Service at the heart of the day
Proceedings will begin with a military parade through the town centre at 11am, bringing together service personnel, veterans’ organisations and cadet units in a visible show of unity and recognition.
The parade will then make its way to Christie Park, arriving at approximately 12 noon, where a Drumhead Service will take place — a traditional outdoor military service reflecting the heritage and ceremonial traditions of the Armed Forces.
Christie Park to host afternoon of displays and demonstrations
From midday onwards, Christie Park will become the central venue for a wide range of attractions, including interactive military displays, armoured vehicles and opportunities for the public to meet serving personnel.
Among the most anticipated elements of the day is a planned Royal Air Force flypast, currently expected to feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota aircraft, alongside a parachute display by the RAF Falcons.
The Falcons, the RAF’s premier military parachute display team, are expected to perform a free-fall display featuring advanced manoeuvres at speeds of up to 120mph, subject to operational availability.
Aircraft participation will be confirmed closer to the event.
Live performances, gun salute and ceremonial finale
The programme will also include live musical performances and a range of military exhibits throughout the afternoon, adding to the event’s festival atmosphere.
A notable highlight will be a nine-round Feu de Joie fired across the River Bann by 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery, providing a ceremonial gun salute as part of the day’s commemorations.
The event will conclude at 4pm with a Beating Retreat performed by the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment — a traditional military ceremony marking the formal end of proceedings.
Council and military leaders highlight significance of event
Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, said the Borough’s strong connection to the Armed Forces made Coleraine a fitting host location.
“We are delighted to host this year’s Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day. Our Borough has a strong and long-standing connection with the Armed Forces, so I know it will be a great source of pride for many residents to host Armed Forces Day in Coleraine.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland to Coleraine on Saturday, June 20. A fantastic programme is planned, including a parade, drum head service, ground exhibits at Christie Park and a gun salute. It really will be a fantastic event for all of the family.”
Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC RAF, Air Officer Northern Ireland, highlighted the scale of the aerial display and the opportunity for public engagement.
“I am delighted to announce that the widely recognised UK’s premier military parachute Display Team, the ‘Falcons’ will showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force at the Armed Forces Day 26 with their exciting free fall display, which includes advanced manoeuvres, falling at speeds up to 120 mph.
“The ‘Falcons’ will be accompanied by the iconic RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight C47 Dakota flypast at what is promising to be a fantastic day out at Coleraine with special thanks to our hosts at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
“As ever it is a unique opportunity to engage with the people of Northern Ireland and demonstrate how the Armed Forces protects our people and endeavours to add value.”
Causeway Coast and Glens Veterans’ Champion, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said the event would also serve as a tribute to those who have served and their families.
“Armed Forces Day is an important day in the military calendar. It is a day when we come together to honour the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of the men and women who serve, and those who have served, in our Armed Forces.
“The events planned for June 20 in Coleraine will also help us pay tribute to our veterans, those men and women who have stepped out of uniform but have never stopped serving their communities.
“I am also pleased that the event in Coleraine will also be a chance to recognise the families who stand behind our service personnel, providing strength and support through long separations and uncertain times.”
Further details to follow ahead of June event
Organisers have confirmed that further details, including the full programme schedule and parking arrangements, will be announced in the coming months.
With large crowds expected, residents and visitors are being encouraged to save the date and plan ahead for what is shaping up to be one of the most significant public events in the Borough’s 2026 calendar.
At a glance
Armed Forces Day 2026 to take place in Coleraine on Saturday 20 June
Event runs from 10am to 4pm in the town centre
Military parade at 11am followed by Drumhead Service at Christie Park
RAF Falcons parachute display and Dakota flypast planned
Interactive displays, armoured vehicles and public engagement activities
Nine-round Feu de Joie gun salute across the River Bann
Beating Retreat finale at 4pm by Royal Irish Regiment band
Thousands of visitors expected from across Northern Ireland
Full programme and parking details to be confirmed
