Coleraine to host regional Armed Forces Day celebration

by Gráinne Connolly

Armed Forces Day will be be held in Coleraine this year for the first time. 

The event provides an opportunity to say 'thank you' to troops, families, veterans and cadets of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF). 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is organising the celebrations that will take place on Saturday 23rd June this year.

Plans will include a parade of service personnel and bans through the town centre from 11am and a Drumhead service in the Diamond. 

The public will enjoy an insight into the role of the Army, Royal Navy and RAF, with static displays of military equipment and vehicles, along with family-friendly attractions and live music. 

Robert Douglas and Laura Pipinska from Portrush Sea Cadets pictured with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Joan Baird OBE at the launch of Armed Forces Day 

The day will finish with "the beating of the retreat", featuring marching music, pageantry and precision choreography from participating military bands. 

The event coincides with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Rhythm of the Bann - a free evening of musical entertainment including the Band of the Royal Marines and Folk Award winners the Armagh Pipers Club.
 

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Joan Baird OBE said:

"We are looking forward to attracting thousands of visitors to this exciting day of celebration.

"The town is home to three troops of reservists from different regiments and has a rich military heritage which makes it an ideal location for this regional event.

"The War Memorial in the town centre provides a fitting focal point to pause and reflect on the ongoing sacrifices of our Armed Forces before the start of festivities promising an exciting afternoon with a mix of military-themed attractions and family fun."
 

An MoD spokesman said:

“As an integral part of the community we relish and welcome this opportunity to celebrate Armed Forces Day with our all friends in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.

“Over the years Armed Forces Day has become an important part of the Armed Forces calendar and this year’s programme of events promises to be as exciting and interesting as ever.”