Coleraine to Host Armed Forces Day 2026 with Parade, Flypast and RAF Falcons Display

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to announce that Armed Forces Day 2026 will take place in Coleraine on Saturday 20 June 2026, from 10am to 4pm.

Residents and visitors are invited to attend this major celebration recognising the service and dedication of the Armed Forces. Coleraine Town Centre will come alive with a vibrant programme of free entertainment, displays and activities, offering an enjoyable day out for families and visitors of all ages.

Delivered in partnership with representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, the event will honour serving personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets who have contributed to protecting and supporting the United Kingdom at home and overseas.

A full day of activity will begin with a military parade through the town centre at 11am, bringing together service personnel, veterans’ organisations and cadet units. A Drumhead Service will follow, with the parade arriving at Christie Park at approximately 12 noon.

Christie Park will host a wide range of attractions throughout the afternoon, including interactive military displays, armoured vehicles and opportunities to meet serving personnel. Highlights will include a Royal Air Force flypast, currently expected to feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, alongside a parachute display by the RAF Falcons.

Additional highlights will include live musical performances, a nine-round Feu de Joie fired across the River Bann by 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery, and a range of military exhibits. The event will culminate in a Beating Retreat at 4pm by the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment.

Aircraft participation is subject to operational availability and will be confirmed closer to the event.

Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, welcomed the event to Coleraine, saying:

“We are delighted to host this year’s Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day. Our Borough has a strong and long-standing connection with the Armed Forces, so I know it will be a great source of pride for many residents to host Armed Forces Day in Coleraine.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland to Coleraine on Saturday, June 20. A fantastic programme is planned, including a parade, drum head service, ground exhibits at Christie Park and a gun salute. It really will be a fantastic event for all of the family."

Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC RAF, Air Officer Northern Ireland, said:

“I am delighted to announce that the widely recognised UK’s premier military parachute Display Team, the ‘Falcons’ will showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force at the Armed Forces Day 26 with their exciting free fall display, which includes advanced manoeuvres, falling at speeds up to 120 mph.

“The ‘Falcons’ will be accompanied by the iconic RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight C47 Dakota flypast at what is promising to be a fantastic day out at Coleraine with special thanks to our hosts at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. As ever it is a unique opportunity to engage with the people of Northern Ireland and demonstrate how the Armed Forces protects our people and endeavours to add value.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Veterans’ Champion, Councillor Dawn Huggins, added:

“Armed Forces Day is an important day in the military calendar. It is a day when we come together to honour the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of the men and women who serve, and those who have served, in our Armed Forces. The events planned for June 20 in Coleraine will also help us pay tribute to our veterans, those men and women who have stepped out of uniform but have never stopped serving their communities.

“I am also pleased that the event in Coleraine will also be a chance to recognise the families who stand behind our service personnel, providing strength and support through long separations and uncertain times.”

Armed Forces Day provides an important opportunity for communities across the UK to show their support for the Armed Forces family, from those currently serving to veterans, reservists and cadets.

Coleraine’s hosting of Armed Forces Day 2026 is expected to attract large crowds and will be a key highlight of the Borough’s summer events programme.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to save the date, Saturday 20 June 2026, with further details, including the full programme and parking information, to be announced in the coming months.