Update Given On Coleraine’s Armed Forces Day 2026 Plans

Preparations to host Armed Forces Day in Coleraine in June 2026 are continuing, with councillors set to be informed of the latest planning update at the Leisure and Development Committee next week.

A report prepared for members provides an overview of progress being made by council officers and partner agencies, as planning ramps up for the large-scale event, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the borough.

Armed Forces Day is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, a week earlier than the main UK celebrations. Council officials from Democratic Services and the Tourism Events Team are working closely with senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence, including the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, with monthly planning meetings taking place.

A number of potential sites in and around Coleraine town centre are currently being assessed to host military assets and activities. These include the Market Yard, Harbour Commissioners’ land along the River Bann near the Waterside, and Christie Park. The option of using playing fields at Coleraine Grammar School has been ruled out, with officers stressing that the main focus of the event will remain within the town centre to maximise economic benefit for local businesses.

Council officers have also confirmed that planned drainage works at Christie Park have been postponed until 2027, meaning the site remains available for consideration as part of the 2026 event footprint.

The Council’s Tourism Events Team has submitted requests to the Royal Air Force for flypasts, with confirmation of available aircraft not expected until March 2026. The RAF is also expected to have a stronger presence within the military exhibition area. The Ulster Aviation Society has indicated it may attend with retired aircraft to support ground-based displays.

The Army is exploring options for a potential gun salute near the old bridge and has expressed interest in staging a rowing challenge on the River Bann between the Army rowing team and a local club. Discussions are also ongoing around the format of the Drumhead Service and the attendance of military bands, including the Band of the Royal Irish, as well as participation from military units and cadets across Northern Ireland.

The Royal Navy is also considering what assets may be available to attend, including the possible involvement of helicopters, vessels and the Royal Navy abseil team, subject to operational requirements.

Transport and traffic management planning is under way, with park-and-ride options being explored at Rugby Avenue and potentially at Ulster University, alongside alternative locations near Coleraine Showgrounds. Visitors will be encouraged to use public transport, with promotional work planned in partnership with Translink.

Council officers are also developing the communications plan for the event, with a “soft launch” expected to begin from mid-March. The event has already been added to the council website, and further branding and promotional work is being prepared.

The update will be presented to members for information only, with further reports expected as planning progresses in the months ahead.