Visitors Encouraged to Plan Ahead for Armed Forces Day 2026 in Coleraine

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is encouraging visitors attending Armed Forces Day 2026 in Coleraine to plan their journeys in advance ahead of the large-scale celebration taking place at Christie Park on Saturday 20 June.

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to the Borough for the event, which will feature a packed programme of military displays, live entertainment, family activities, interactive exhibits and special celebrations recognising the contribution of the Armed Forces community.

To help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable day, a number of temporary traffic management measures, road closures and transport arrangements will be in place throughout Coleraine.

Public Transport

Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport where possible.

Coleraine Bus and Train Station is located approximately a ten-minute walk from Christie Park, providing convenient access for those travelling by rail or bus.

Translink journey planning information can be found at Translink Journey Planner.

Those living locally are also encouraged to walk or cycle to the event where possible.

Free Park and Ride

A free Park and Ride service will operate throughout the day from Rugby Avenue Playing Fields, Rugby Avenue (off Mountsandel Road), Coleraine, BT52 1LJ.

• Operating hours: 7.00am – 6.30pm
• Free accessible shuttle buses will run regularly throughout the day
• Drop-off locations: New Market Street and The Mall Car Park

Park and Stride

Visitors can also make use of free Park and Stride facilities, allowing them to park nearby and walk a short distance to Christie Park.

Stewards and directional signage will be in place to assist pedestrians along the route.

Locations include:

• Vineyard Church, 10 Hillmans Way, Coleraine, BT52 2ED
• The Crescent Playing Fields, The Crescent, Coleraine, BT52 2DS (located between the Bushmills Road and Ballycastle Road)

Accessibility Parking

Accessible parking arrangements will be available for Blue Badge holders.

Accessible parking is available within town centre car parks, with additional temporary accessible parking provided at:

• The Market Yard
• Killowen Green, Strand Road

Spaces must be booked in advance by contacting Portrush Visitor Information Centre on 028 7082 3333.

Opening hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 9.00am – 5.00pm (closed 1.00pm – 1.30pm for lunch)
• Sunday (June to September): 12 noon – 4.00pm

Bookings can be made by telephone only.

Road Closures and Traffic Management

A number of temporary road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place between 7.00am and 7.00pm on Saturday 20 June.

Coleraine Town Centre

The following streets will be closed:

• Kingsgate Road
• Church Street
• The Diamond
• Park Street
• New Row
• Society Street
• Stone Row
• Abbey Street
• Bridge Street
• Queen Street

Strand Road

A single-lane closure will be in operation adjacent to Christie Park, extending from the Old Bridge to the junction of Killowen Primary School.

Newbridge Road Dual Carriageway

One lane of the dual carriageway will be closed adjacent to the Rugby Avenue Park and Ride facility. This will affect the left-hand lane travelling from the A26 Ballymoney direction into Coleraine.

Resident access will be maintained where possible, and clearly signposted diversion routes will be in place.

Motorists are advised to allow additional travel time, as delays are expected in and around Coleraine town centre and Christie Park throughout the day.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said:

"We are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Armed Forces Day and what promises to be a fantastic day of celebration, recognition and family-friendly entertainment.

"As we expect large crowds throughout the day, I would encourage everyone to plan their journey in advance, allow extra travel time and follow any traffic management measures that are in place. By planning ahead and taking care when travelling, we can all help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone attending."

Translink’s Service Delivery Manager, Coleraine, Sam Todd commented:

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to provide shuttle bus services for Armed Forces Day in Coleraine.

“We look forward to welcoming passengers on board the shuttle services and those travelling to Armed Forces Day on scheduled buses and trains.

“We recommend that passengers check timetables in advance of travel using Translink’s Journey Planner app or website and allow plenty of time for their journeys, as we expect services to be busy.

“Passengers using Coleraine town bus services on Saturday 20 June should also allow plenty of time for their journeys, as there will be a number of road closures and diversions in place.”

Superintendent Yvonne McManus, District Commander for Causeway Coast and Glens, said:

"Our officers will be visible on the ground in Coleraine on Armed Forces Day, and members of the public have an important role to play in helping us to keep people safe. Report anything you see or hear that appears suspicious by approaching a member of uniformed security staff, an officer patrolling at the event, or by calling us on the police non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

"Disruption to traffic is expected in and around Coleraine town centre, and those planning to attend the event are urged to arrive early and locate parking in good time to avoid parking illegally. Traffic management systems will be in place in the area to monitor diversions and enable local residents to access their homes; however, if you do not plan on attending, please seek an alternative route for your journey to avoid expected delays.

"We hope everyone thoroughly enjoys this family-orientated event, but please do so in a safe manner by acting responsibly at all times."

Further event information and programme details are available at www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/see-do/afd26