Causeway Coast And Glens Prepares To Host Armed Forces Day 2026

Plans are underway for the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to host Armed Forces Day 2026, an event expected to attract thousands of visitors and showcase the region’s support for serving personnel, veterans and cadets.

The celebration is set to take place on Saturday 20 June 2026, a week before the national Armed Forces Day, allowing organisers to secure “quality assets” ahead of similar events across the UK.

Council officers are developing a detailed programme following a Notice of Motion approved in December 2023, which called for the borough to bid for the prestigious event. The Commemoration and Celebration Sub-Committee is leading preparations, with discussions planned between council officials and the Ministry of Defence in early November.

As part of the planning, officers are assessing potential venues. The 2018 Armed Forces Day was held in Coleraine, and locations in and around the town — including the Market Yard adjacent to the town centre — are now being explored as possible event spaces for 2026.

Talks are also under way about a potential RAF flypast, and officials are reviewing previous events to identify ways to enhance the format and visitor experience.