Deputy First Minister hails an 'amazing day' as Armed Forces Day is celebrated with large crowds in Coleraine
Thousands of people lined the streets of Coleraine to recognise and thank the men and women of the Armed Forces, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families for their service, sacrifice and commitment.
The event, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in partnership with military and community organisations, transformed Coleraine Town Centre, Christie Park and the River Bann into a vibrant hub of activity, with a packed programme of military displays, live entertainment and family-friendly activities taking place throughout the day.
To officially open the event, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins hosted an Armed Forces Day breakfast for invited guests.
Those invited included Mrs Alison Millar, Lord Lieutenant of Londonderry; Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA; Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA; Calvin Bailey MP, Minister for Veterans and People, and senior military personnel, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds (Royal Air Force); Brigadier Andrew Muddiman (Royal Navy); and Brigadier Piers Ashfield (British Army), as well as other civic and ministerial representatives.
Formal proceedings began with a Drumhead Service and wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in The Diamond, providing an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces community, past and present.
The atmosphere then shifted to celebration as crowds gathered to watch the Armed Forces Day Parade led by the Royal Irish Regiment, make its way through the town centre. Hundreds of serving personnel, veterans and cadets received a warm reception from spectators lining the streets before making their way to Christie Park.
One of the highlights of the day came shortly after midday when spectators turned their attention to the skies for the arrival of the RAF Falcons parachute display team. Their descent over Coleraine proved to be one of the most anticipated moments of the event and drew enthusiastic applause from crowds gathered across the town.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors explored the Military Village in Christie Park, met members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, viewed military vehicles and aviation exhibits, and took part in a wide range of family activities and demonstrations.
Well-known broadcaster and media personality Paul Clark compered the event, guiding visitors through the day’s programme of commemorative events, military displays and entertainment.
Live entertainment from Ballroom Blitz, Rock Choir, Harpurs Hill Steel Band and the Swingtime Starlets created a lively atmosphere in Christie Park, while performances from the RAF Band Ensemble and the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment entertained audiences on The Diamond Council Stage.
Across the town centre, pipe bands and drum majors added to the celebrations with a series of pop-up performances in Christie Park, The Mall and Kingsgate Street, ensuring there was something to enjoy around every corner.
Activity on the River Bann proved popular throughout the afternoon, while a ceremonial gun salute by 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery provided a powerful reminder of the traditions and heritage associated with the Armed Forces.
The celebrations concluded with a much-anticipated flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota aircraft, providing a fitting tribute to Britain’s aviation heritage and generations of service personnel.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said: “Armed Forces Day 2026 was a tremendous success and it was wonderful to see so many people come together in Coleraine to recognise and celebrate the contribution of our Armed Forces community.
"The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families, while also offering a fantastic day of entertainment and activities for residents and visitors of all ages.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended, along with the many organisations, volunteers, performers, military personnel, emergency services, community groups and council staff whose hard work and commitment helped make the event such a success.
Brigadier Piers Ashfield DSO MBE, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, added: “Armed forces day here in Coleraine has been a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication and professionalism of our people, and to thank the public for their continued support.
"Seeing so many local people come together with serving personnel, veterans and their families is a fitting tribute to those who serve. It’s a real highlight of the close bond between the armed forces and the communities they serve.
"The warmth and turnout is exactly what days like this are about.”
The day’s events got the seal of approval from deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who wrote on social media: “What an AMAZING day in Coleraine for the Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day 2026! A big crowd gathered and a great opportunity to say a huge thank you to all who have served, so many across Northern Ireland and those who are currently serving.
“Good too to see so many young cadets, the future of our armed forces.
“Well done to the many who have put in such work to make this annual event such an incredible success.”
Independent MLA Claire Sugden added: "Exceptional Armed Forces Day in Coleraine today! Really wonderful to see the crowds enjoying an event packed day!
“Credit to all involved. Thank you to our cadets, servicemen and women, veterans and all who served in our name.”
Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone, hailed proceedings as “a fantastic day”, which will go down as “a memorable and successful event”.
A statement on Facebook added: “It was a privilege to meet the newly appointed Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MP, alongside serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans, cadets, and their families.
“The day was filled with impressive parades, engaging demonstrations, and wonderful opportunities to interact with the Armed Forces community. Events like these are a powerful reminder of the dedication, service, and sacrifice of those who serve and have served our country.”