Flypasts, parade and huge crowds expected as Coleraine hosts Armed Forces Day — here’s what you need to know
From RAF flypasts and military displays to road closures, parking arrangements and family entertainment, here's your essential guide to one of Northern Ireland's biggest Armed Forces Day celebrations
Coleraine is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors this Saturday for Armed Forces Day 2026, a major celebration recognising the service and dedication of the Armed Forces community.
Taking place on Saturday (June 20) from 10am to 4pm, the event will see the town centre and Christie Park transformed into a packed programme of parades, displays and family-friendly entertainment.
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, the event will honour serving personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets, while offering visitors the chance to experience an up-close look at military life.
The day will begin with a Drumhead Service at 11am before a military parade through the town centre leaving Coleraine Leisure Centre at 11.30 and arriving at Christie Park around midday, bringing together service personnel, veterans’ groups and cadet units.
Christie Park will host a packed programme of activity throughout the afternoon, including interactive military displays, armoured vehicles and opportunities to meet serving personnel. Among the highlights will be a Royal Air Force flypast, expected to feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, alongside a parachute display by the RAF Falcons.
Other attractions will include live music, military exhibits and a nine-round Feu de Joie fired across the River Bann by 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery. There will aslo some events at The Mall carpark including Ulster Aviation Society and Ulster Military Vehicle Club. The whole programme will conclude with a concert featuring military bands at the Diamond at 4pm.
Aircraft participation remains subject to operational availability and will be confirmed closer to the time.
Welcoming the event, mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council councillor Dawn Huggins, who is also Veterans’ Champion for the Council, said it would be a proud occasion for the area.
She continued: “I am delighted that Coleraine will be hosting this year's Armed Forces Day celebrations for Northern Ireland.
"I look forward to welcoming residents, visitors, serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families to this important event.
"Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to recognise and celebrate the courage, commitment and sacrifice of those who serve, and who have served, in our Armed Forces.
"We also want to recognise the vital role played by our cadet organisations in shaping the next generation of leaders, citizens, and service personnel.
"This event in Coleraine is a chance to show our appreciation for the invaluable contribution our Armed Forces make to our society and to honour the dedication they demonstrate in protecting our freedoms and way of life."
Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC RAF, Air Officer Northern Ireland, said the day would showcase the excellence of the RAF, including the Falcons parachute display team and a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota.
He explained: “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.”
Travel, parking and event information
With large crowds expected, organisers are urging visitors to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and follow all traffic management arrangements in place on the day.
A free Park and Ride service will operate throughout the day from Rugby Avenue Playing Fields, Rugby Avenue (off Mountsandel Road), Coleraine running from 7.00am to 6.30pm. Regular shuttle buses will operate throughout the day, with accessible shuttle buses also available. Drop-off points will be located at New Market Street.
Free Park and Stride facilities will also be available for those choosing to park nearby and walk into the event. These will be located at Vineyard Church, 10 Hillmans Way, Coleraine, BT52 2ED, and The Crescent Playing Fields, The Crescent, Coleraine, BT52 2DS. Stewards and signage will be in place to guide pedestrians towards Christie Park.
Blue Badge parking will be available in town centre car parks, with additional temporary accessible spaces provided at The Market Yard and Killowen Green, Strand Road. These spaces must be booked in advance by contacting Portrush Visitor Information Centre on 028 7082 3333, with bookings taken by telephone only.
A number of temporary road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place between 7.00am and 7.00pm on Saturday 20 June. In Coleraine town centre, streets including Kingsgate Road, Church Street, The Diamond, Park Street, New Row, Society Street, Stone Row, Abbey Street, Bridge Street, Queen Street and Strand Road will be closed for periods throughout the day.
A single-lane closure will also operate beside Christie Park between the Old Bridge and Killowen Primary School. On the Newbridge Road dual carriageway, one lane will be closed near the Park and Ride site, affecting traffic travelling from the A26 Ballymoney direction into Coleraine. Resident access will be maintained where possible, with clearly signposted diversion routes in place. Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow additional journey time.
Translink has advised passengers to check timetables in advance and allow extra time for travel, as services are expected to be busy and diversions will be in place due to road closures.
Police have also urged the public to plan ahead, arrive early and report anything suspicious to event security or officers on the ground. In an emergency, the public should call 999. They also reminded motorists not to park illegally, as enforcement and traffic management will be in place throughout the day.