GALLERY: Thousands of people descend on Coleraine for Armed Forces Day 2026

The huge annual celebration of the UK’s brave heroes in the services is to expected to see upwards of 20,000 people head to the town centre and Christie Park for a huge celebration of the men and women of the country’s forces.

To officially open the event, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins hosted an Armed Forces Day breakfast for invited guests including 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.

The band, bugles, pipes and drums of the Royal Irish Regiment led the main parade through Coleraine Town Centre to thousands of spectators.

With a thriving military village along Christie Park, entertainment and interactive displays and an exciting RAF Falcons parachute display, it is shaping up to be a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to come together in appreciation of the service and sacrifice of the nation’s Armed Forces.