Armed Forces Day to take place on June 21
By Julie Waters
THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to flock to Newtownards for Armed Forces Day to enjoy a feast of aerial displays including the daredevil Red Arrows.
A military parade, a host of family friendly entertainment, cookery demonstrations and Beating Retreat are just some of the highlights of this year’s Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 21.
Hosted by Ards and North Down Council at Newtownards airfield, the aerial display will also include the C47 Dakota from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the UK’s premier military parachute display team, the Falcons.
The display by the Red Arrows will be the aerobatic team’s only appearance in Northern Ireland this year.
The event will start at 10:30am with a band performance and the official regional Armed Forces Day military parade through Newtownards.
This will be followed by a special Drumhead Service and Flag Raising at Ards Airfield. Television presenter Paul Clarke will compere the programme which includes musical performances from the Royal Irish Regiment.
There will also be live music, food stalls, a fun fair and street theatre.
Mayor Alistair Cathcart Newtownards airfield offers a lot of scope for action and activity throughout the day. “We look forward to welcoming the thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland who annually support this superb event,” he said.
“Having such an exciting programme of flying displays will certainly add to the occasion and we are very grateful to the RAF for their support in this respect.
“Our borough has a close affinity with the armed forces and a rich military history through the likes of Colonel Paddy Blair Mayne and Major General Rollo Gillespie, of Comber, who fought in India, so I know it will be a great source of pride to many residents that we are able to host AFD25 in Newtownards.”
Brigadier Andrew Muddiman, Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said the event will be a keynote celebration of the armed forces.
“It gives the chance to highlight the Royal Navy’s engagement with local organisations and contribution to cadet training, inspiring young people and fostering strong relationships with the local community,” he said.
“Along with an ongoing successful industrial partnership, the Royal Navy continues to enjoy a committed and valued presence in Northern Ireland.”
Brigadier Jamie Murray, Commander of 38 (Irish) Brigade and Joint Military Commander in Northern Ireland, thanked councillors, officers and staff of the council for hosting Armed Forces Day this year.
“Thank you also to the community for their continued support of the armed forces, it means a great deal to all those who serve to have such support. It will be an honour for us to display the army and to meet the community that we serve on Armed Forces Day 2025.”
Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, RAF Air Officer for Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Armed Forces Day at Newtownards Airfield with air assets which meets the RAF in Northern Ireland themes of partnership, prosperity and normalisation.
“As ever it is a unique opportunity to engage with the people of Northern Ireland and demonstrate how the RAF protects our people and endeavours to add value.”
The free event takes place from 10.30am to 5pm, and will close with a Beating Retreat at 4pm.
