Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Coleraine on Saturday 20 June for Armed Forces Day 2026, a day of commemoration, celebration and free family-friendly activities recognising the contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families.
Coleraine Town Centre, Christie Park and the River Bann will transform into a vibrant hub of activity as residents and visitors come together to honour the men and women of the Armed Forces community in what promises to be one of the Borough's most exciting civic events of the year.
The day begins at Christie Park from 10.15am with a dedicated Quiet Time Session, featuring a Family Fun Zone, soft play area and a World War Two Interactive Living History Display. Visitors can also explore exhibits from the Ulster Aviation Society and Ulster Military Vehicle Club in the Mall Car Park from 10.15am onwards.
The formal commemorations will begin with a short parade to the War Memorial, followed by a Drumhead Service and wreath-laying ceremony at The Diamond from 11am. Following an address from the Mayor, attention will turn to a special Royal Navy abseil display as the Armed Forces Day flag is raised at 11.20am. At 11.30am, serving personnel, veterans' organisations and cadet units will step off from Coleraine Leisure Centre, parading through the town centre in a colourful display of military tradition and pageantry before arriving at Christie Park.
From midday, Christie Park will host a packed programme of military displays, interactive activities and family entertainment hosted by event compere Paul Clark. Visitors can enjoy activities including Jumping Clay and Fun with Drums, alongside live performances from Ballroom Blitz, the Swingtime Starlets and Rock Choir.
A bustling Military Village featuring displays, demonstrations and exhibits from across the Armed Forces will offer visitors a unique opportunity to discover more about military life and the work of service personnel both at home and overseas.
Pipe bands and drum majors will add to the atmosphere throughout the afternoon with pop-up performances across Christie Park, The Mall and Kingsgate Street, ensuring there is entertainment throughout the town centre.
At approximately 12.15pm, crowds will look to the skies as the RAF Falcons parachute display team descend over Coleraine in one of the day's most anticipated displays.
Throughout the afternoon, the celebrations will continue across the town, with activity on the River Bann and performances on The Diamond Council Stage from the RAF Band Ensemble, the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment, and a special display by 152 Regiment RLC Pipes and Drums joined by 154 Regiment and Campbell College.
At 2pm, the banks of the River Bann will echo with ceremonial tradition as 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery fires a gun salute in recognition of this special occasion, adding to the atmosphere of celebration throughout the town. Later in the afternoon, the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota aircraft is expected to pass over Coleraine at approximately 2.55pm, providing a fitting tribute to Britain's aviation heritage and generations of service personnel.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to meet members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, explore military exhibits and vehicles, and discover more about the work of the Armed Forces through a range of interactive displays and demonstrations.
Christie Park will close at 4pm, with the Armed Forces Day flag lowered at 4.25pm before the event concludes at approximately 4.30pm.
With military pageantry, aerial displays, live entertainment and opportunities to learn more about the Armed Forces community, Armed Forces Day 2026 promises a memorable day for residents and visitors alike.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: “Armed Forces Day 2026 promises to be a truly memorable occasion for Coleraine and the wider Borough as we come together to recognise the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community.
“With aerial displays, military pageantry, live entertainment and activities for all ages, this promises to be a fantastic day out for residents and visitors alike and we look forward to welcoming thousands of people to Coleraine for this landmark celebration.”
Sequence of events, timings and locations are subject to change.
Further announcements regarding the travel updates and visitor information will be released in the coming days.
For more details in the upcoming weeks, please visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/see-do/afd26