Council To Consider Bid For National Armed Forces Day 2028

Councillors are set to consider a proposal that could see Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council bid to host National Armed Forces Day in 2028.

A Notice of Motion, proposed by Councillor Philip Anderson and seconded by Councillor Huggins, will go before the council's Leisure and Development Committee next week for consideration.

The proposal follows what has been described as the "tremendous success" of the Regional Armed Forces Day celebrations held in Coleraine last weekend.

If supported, the motion would see the council explore the opportunity to host the national event in 2028 and submit a bid to the relevant authorities.

National Armed Forces Day is the UK's flagship celebration of the Armed Forces community and provides an opportunity to show support for serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and military families.

The national event typically includes military displays, parades, live entertainment, community activities and ceremonial events, attracting visitors from across the UK.

Councillor Philip Anderson said he believed the success of this year's regional event demonstrated the borough's ability to host celebrations on an even larger scale.

He said: "The Regional Armed Forces Day in Coleraine in 2026 was a tremendous success and showcased the very best of our borough. I believe we now have an opportunity to build on that success and explore the possibility of bringing the National Armed Forces Day celebrations to Causeway Coast and Glens in 2028.

"Hosting the national event would provide a fitting opportunity to honour our serving personnel, veterans, cadets and military families, while also delivering significant economic and tourism benefits for the area."

Thousands of people attended the Regional Armed Forces Day celebrations in Coleraine last weekend, with military displays, entertainment and family activities taking place throughout the town centre.

Supporters of the proposal believe the event demonstrated the borough's ability to stage large-scale celebrations and showcase its support for the Armed Forces community.