Thousands of people are expected to descend on Coleraine as Armed Forces Day meets Rhythm of the Bann on Saturday 23rd June.
The full day of free entertainment begins from 11am culminating in an unmissable evening performance from the Band of the Royal Marines.
It’s the first time that Coleraine has hosted the regional Armed Forces Day showcase, which is expected to attract a huge number of military personnel, their families, friends and supporters.
The annual event, compered by well-known television personality Paul Clark, will open with a celebratory parade through the town centre at 11am featuring service members, veterans, cadets, military bands and the Royal British Legion. It will follow a route from Coleraine Leisure Centre before arriving at the Diamond for a Drumhead Service at 11.30am.
The Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Trevor Clarke is looking forward to a memorable day: “I would like to encourage members of the public to show their appreciation for our Armed Forces by supporting this wonderful occasion. It promises to be a very exciting day for Coleraine as we remember, reflect and celebrate the services’ ongoing commitment.”
The first gun salute of the day will ring out at 12noon when one round will signal the start of a packed afternoon of activities in Christie Park, on the River Bann and throughout the town centre. From 11am, children with additional needs can enjoy a ‘quiet hour’ in Christie Park with soft play and Jumping Clay.
What is happening on the day?
11am Parade from Coleraine Leisure Centre to the town centre
11am Quiet hour in Christie Park for children with additional needs
11.30am Drumhead Service in the Diamond
12noon March to Christie Park
12noon First gun salute of the day (one round)
12noon – 5pm Activities and live entertainment in Christie Park
Acts include The Leading Ladies, Blue Belles and Evergreen Scottish Country Dancers, Grove Pipe Band, Hampsey Harp School, JML School of Irish Dance, Espresso Jazz, the Forces Sweetheart Kirsten Orsborn and Owen Mac.
The Challenger 2 tank will be located in Christie Park car-park throughout the day
Royal Navy vessel P2000 on the River Bann with on-board access.
12.30pm – 1pm Grove Pipe Band performance Kingsgate Street.
1pm – 4pm Wakeboarding and jet ski showcase on the River Bann
1.30pm – 2.45pm Military Band performances outside Coleraine Town Hall
Band of the Royal Irish performance (1.30pm – 1.45pm)
Pipes and Drums of the Royal Dragoon Guards (1.50pm - 2.05pm)
2pm Gun salute (three rounds)
Drums and Pipes of the First Battalion Irish Guards (2.10pm – 2.25pm)
152 Pipes and Drums (2.30pm – 2.45pm)
2.45pm – 3.15pm Silver Stars Parachute Display Team over River Bann
4pm Gun salute (four rounds)
4.15pm Band of the Royal Marines on parade from Coleraine Leisure Centre to town centre
4.30pm Beating Retreat
5pm Rhythm of the Bann music and dance festival
Don’t forget to bring your seats for a three hour programme of spectacular live music and dance culminating in a magnificent performance from the Band of the Royal Marines, regarded as the world’s most prestigious military music organisation.
The event will open with a set from singing sensations the Leading Ladies Trio followed by Forces Sweetheart Kirsten Orsborn.
Loughguile School of Irish Dance, winners of the 2017 World Folk Dance Championships, promise a spell-binding performance before Causeway Traditional Band take to the stage with a medley of instruments and a toe-tapping repertoire.
The evening will come to a spectacular close with an exceptional performance from the inimitable Band of the Royal Marines – prepare to be thrilled and enthralled by this unforgettable experience.
A free Park and Ride facility will operate from Rugby Avenue Playing Fields, from 8am – 9pm. Drop off/pick up points are located on Strand Road, Railway Road (except during Parade time) and Lodge Road.
Additional disabled parking will be available in the Mall Car Park and at Rugby Avenue.
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Traffic and Travel Information
Road Closures
Strand Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from its junction at Screen Road to Waterside. 07:00hrs to 20:00hrs.
Strand Road Roundabout to Screen Road will be for local access only from 07:00 to 20:00hrs.
During the Armed Forces Day Parade, the Bann Bridge will be closed from 11:30hrs for up to 1 hour.
Appropriate diversions will be signed
Carpark Closures
Coleraine Leisure Centre Carpark will be closed from 21:00hrs Friday 22nd June to 21:00hrs Saturday 23rd June.
A section of the Mall Carpark will be dedicated to Disabled Parking on Saturday 23rd June (normal car park charges apply). The remainder of the Carpark will operate as normal.
Further disabled parking spaces will be available on grass at Christie Park.
Bicycle parking will be available at Christie Park
Park and Ride
There will be a free Park and Ride facility in operation from Rugby Avenue Playing Fields, Coleraine during Armed Forces Day from 08:00hrs to 21:00hrs. Buses will run at a 15 minute variable frequency. Drop off/Pick up points are Strand Road and Lodge Road.
Railway Road will be Drop-Off only upon request to the driver (no pick-up). There will be no drop-off on Railway Road during the Parade.
Motorists are asked to follow advance directional signage on their approach to Coleraine which will direct them to the Park and Ride facility.
Please download the map below which highlights the Park and Ride location, route, drop off and pick up points along with our at-a-glance guide to what is happening on the day.
