Armed Forces Day 2025

Saturday 21 June 2025

Ards Airfield, Newtownards | 10.30am - 5pm

Ulster Flying Club Ards Airfield, Newtownards will be transformed into a vibrant hub of activity to honour the Armed Forces community. Join us for a day dedicated to the people who make up the Armed Forces community, with displays, exhibits, family friendly activities and more; a great day out for all.

Visitors to Newtownards can enjoy breathtaking aerial displays, a military parade and a host of family friendly entertainment, cookery demonstrations and technical challenges when Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day 2025 (AFD25) comes to the town in June.

Ards and North Down Borough Council will host the national event on Saturday 21 June 2025 at Newtownards Airfield. It will give visitors an insight into the work of the Armed Forces – Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force – as well as celebrating and honouring those who serve and have served.

It has been confirmed that the aerial display on the day will 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 much loved and revered Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will also be in the skies on 21 June – the only Northern Ireland display in their calendar 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. UTV presenter, Paul Clarke, will act as compere and talk visitors through the programme, which will include musical performances from the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums Royal Irish Regiment.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a programme of military activity that wouldn’t normally be seen by the public, as well as:

All the fun of the fair with funfair favourites.
Live music throughout the day
Local makers selling crafts, gifts and sweet treats
Live cooking demos in the SERC Demo Kitchen and Military Field Kitchens

The event will close in style with a Beating Retreat at 4pm.

Full programme details and information on parking/park and ride will be available soon.

More information coming soon!

Please note:

- Events are subject to change. Aerial displays are weather dependant.

- This event is a no drone zone. Only official event drones authorised by the event organisers are permitted

Keep up to date

Sustainability
Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We encourage visitors to travel via public transport, there are fresh water stations on site bring along refillable water bottles, reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event and please dispose rubbish in the correct bins when on-site.

Read more about Sustainability.

Please note

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Armed Forces Day Plan Your Trip

To make your day our as enjoyable as possible, please use this Plan Your Trip Section, which will give you more information about, how to travel to the event by car or bus, parking and event site useful Information.
Newtownards

The heart of the Ards Peninsula, Newtownards is arguably the largest of Ards and North Downs four large towns and the gateway to the Ards Peninsula. Known for it's great shopping and historic landmarks, like Scrabo Tower, which sits with pride overlooking the town and the expanse of beautiful Strangford Lough. Craft and the arts is well celebrated here with the annual Creative Peninsula and events throughout the year in Ards Arts Centre and Conway Square.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

With over 100 miles of coastline, many Areas of Special Scientific Interest and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we want to protect this special place and the impact we have on our natural surroundings.

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Plan Your Trip

Ours is a place to escape to, slow down and feed your spirit Ards and North Down is defined by lush fertile fields and sweeping loughs, even the furthest reaches are within an hour of Belfast. Savour our award-winning local food and drink, be inspired by creative makers, artists and musicians and immerse yourself in our rich heritage.
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Relax in the beauty of this place with accommodation ranging from distinctive self-catering options, cosy guest houses, glamping and caravanning/camping and a range of three, four and five-star hotel and spa facilities.
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Enjoy fresh produce from our tides and our turf, used to create delicious meals sure to tantalise your tastebuds, showcased by our local chefs.
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Ours is a promise of adventure, from the nooks in the woods to award-winning beaches and country parks, we’re home to some of Northern Ireland’s top attractions. Plan your visit and make unforgettable memories with family and friends.