Larne Armed Forces Day 2023: Thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond to converge on venue this weekend

As usual, thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond are expected to converge on the chosen venue to see the vast array of entertainment and military features.

The hugely popular and free spectacular will take place in Larne on Saturday 17 June at Sandy Bay Playing Fields.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said: “As a former Royal Air Force Wing Commander I could not be happier that our Borough will be hosting this year’s annual Armed Forces Day. Mid and East Antrim has a strong history supporting the armed forces and recognising the sterling work they do. We are planning a fantastic, fun-filled day out for all ages to show our appreciation and we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over to Larne.”

The programme begins at 10am with a parade of 600 military personnel to the venue and a drumhead service.

Also included will be flypasts by iconic Spitfire and Hurricane World War II fighters, and a parachute display by the Silver Stars Royal Logistics Corps.

The Ulster Aviation Society - a museum which preserves dozens of military aircraft near Lisburn – will also be showing off many of its most impressive planes in static exhibits.

Music and entertainment will come from the renowned Band of the Royal Irish Regiment, accompanied by Larne’s own award-winners, The Music Yard. There will also be nostalgic hits from the forties, fifties and sixties by close harmony trio, The Swingtime Starlets and a string of rousing numbers from righteous rock and soul brothers, The Gold Tips.

A 21 Gun Salute will mark the King’s official birthday plus the RAF Military Working Dogs will be displaying their amazing skills for visitors.

The programme also includes children’s entertainment, funfair, food village, a Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) competition and, findally, the Beating the Retreat finale.

There is no available parking close to the site, so the council has made detailed travel arrangements to help everyone’s visit run smoothly.

Translink is doubling the number of train services on the day (www.translink.co.uk) with free bus pick-ups from Larne station to the event site. Another option is to travel on to the Harbour terminal and walk 10 minutes to the event site.

Those driving to the venue should follow the black and yellow event signs to the most relevant Park and Ride site where buses will take them to the venue.

There will be ample parking at Redlands Road, Port of Larne Car Park 2, Fleet Street and Circular Road car park. For more details see: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/AFD.