When is Armed Forces Day 2026 taking place?
Armed Forces Day 2026 will take place on Saturday 20 June 2026 from 10am to approximately 4.30pm in Coleraine Town Centre and Christie Park.
Is the event free to attend?
Yes. Armed Forces Day is a free public event and everyone is welcome to attend.
What can I expect on the day?
Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of military displays, live music, family entertainment, interactive exhibits, military vehicles, pipe bands, a military parade, RAF Falcons parachute display and a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota flypast.
What time does the Armed Forces Day parade take place?
The main military parade will step off from Coleraine Leisure Centre at 11.30am and proceed through Coleraine Town Centre before arriving at Christie Park at approximately 12 noon.
What time is the RAF Falcons parachute display?
The RAF Falcons parachute display is scheduled for approximately 12.15pm, subject to weather and operational requirements.
What time is the ceremonial gun salute?
There will be a gun salute at 2.00pm. Please be aware that there will be loud noises for a very short period of time.
What time is the Dakota flypast?
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota flypast is currently scheduled for approximately 3pm, subject to operational and weather conditions.
Is there a Quiet Time Session?
Yes. A Quiet Time Session will take place in Christie Park and The Mall from 10.15am to 11.00am, offering a more relaxed environment for visitors who prefer reduced noise and activity levels.
Can I access Christie Park before the event starts?
No. Christie Park will be closed to the public from early morning on Saturday 20 June to allow for event set-up, safety checks and security measures ahead of Armed Forces Day.
This means the park will not be available for routine activities such as dog walking, exercise or recreation during this time.
The park will open to event attendees once the event begins.
Is there a free Park and Ride service?
Yes. A free Park and Ride service will operate from 7.00am to 6.30pm.
Park and Ride Location
Rugby Avenue Playing Fields
Rugby Avenue (off Mountsandel Road)
Coleraine, BT52 1LJ
Drop-Off Location
New Market Street
Accessible shuttle buses will operate throughout the day.
Park and Stride
Visitors can also make use of the free Park and Stride facilities, allowing a short walk to the event space.
Park and Stride Locations
Vineyard Church
10 Hillmans Way
Coleraine, BT52 2ED
The Crescent Playing Fields
The Crescent
Coleraine, BT52 2DS
Stewards and event signage will be in place to assist pedestrians along the route.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport where possible.
Is there accessible parking available?
Accessible parking for Blue Badge holders is available throughout Coleraine town centre car parks from 8.00am.
Additional temporary accessible parking will be available at:
- The Market Yard
- Killowen Green (Strand Road)
Advance booking is required for temporary accessible parking spaces.
To book, please contact Portrush Visitor Information Centre on 028 7082 3333.
Please note that bookings can only be made by telephone and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Can I travel by public transport?
Yes. Coleraine Bus and Train Station is approximately a 10-minute walk from Christie Park.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport where possible.
Will there be road closures?
Yes. Temporary road closures and traffic management measures will be in place throughout the day to facilitate the event safely.
Roads Closed
- Kingsgate Road
- Church Street
- The Diamond
- Park Street
- New Row
- Society Street
- Stone Row
- Abbey Street
- Bridge Street
- Queen Street
- Strand Road
Lane Closures
A single lane closure will be in operation adjacent to Christie Park, from the Old Bridge to the junction with 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 (left-hand lane travelling from the A26 Ballymoney Road towards Coleraine).
Resident access will be maintained where possible, and clearly signposted diversion routes will be in place.
Visitors are advised to allow extra travel time as delays are expected in and around Coleraine Town Centre and Christie Park.
Are dogs permitted at the event?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. However, owners should be aware that loud noises may occur throughout the day, including military displays, live music, ceremonial gunfire and aircraft activity.
There will be a gun salute at 2.00pm, so please be mindful if bringing pets to the event.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The event will proceed in most weather conditions.
However, some activities, including aircraft displays, may be altered or cancelled if weather or operational conditions require.
Is the event suitable for children?
Yes. Armed Forces Day 2026 is a family-friendly event with activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Where can I find First Aid facilities?
First Aid will be available throughout the event site, with support from St John Ambulance and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Where are the toilet facilities located?
Public toilets are available at Park Street and Christie Park.
Additional portable toilets will also be located throughout the event site, including at the Park and Stride and Park and Ride facilities.
What accessible facilities are available?
Accessible toilet facilities are available at Park Street.
Accessible portable toilets will also be located throughout the event site.
Where can I find the latest event information?
The latest programme details, travel information and event updates can be found on this webpage at www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/see-do/afd26 and on Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's social media channels.