Armed Forces Day 2026 Northern Ireland: RAF Falcons, Royal Navy and Army on display in annual display
Tens of thousands are expected to turn out for Armed Forces Day in Coleraine this year - featuring 120mph RAF skydivers and a flypast by a Battle of Britain memorial Dakota which dropped troops into France for D-Day.
The hugely popular annual event will also feature an artillery firing display, a wide range of armoured military vehicles and many operational personnel from the RAF, Army and Royal Navy
Last year's event in Newtownards attracted around 60,000 - around twice the population of the town.
Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, welcomed the event to Coleraine, said: “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."
The programme begins with a military parade through the town centre at 11am, bringing together service personnel, veterans’ organisations and cadet units. A Drumhead Service will follow, with the parade arriving at Christie Park at 12 noon.
Christie Park will host a wide range of attractions throughout the afternoon, including interactive military displays, armoured vehicles and opportunities to meet serving personnel.
Additional highlights will include live musical performances, a nine-round Feu de Joie fired across the River Bann by 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery, and a range of military exhibits.
The event will culminate in a Beating Retreat at 4pm by the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment.
RAF Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, Air Officer Northern Ireland, said the UK’s premier military parachute Display Team, the RAF ‘Falcons’, will showcase their skills on the day "with their exciting free fall display, which includes advanced manoeuvres, falling at speeds up to 120 mph.”
He added: “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 that Armed Forces Day is an important date 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,” she said.
"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.”
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council says the event takes place in Coleraine on Saturday 20 June 2026, from 10am to 4pm.