Armed Forces Day Lands at Ards Airfield

5th June 2025

A Packed Day of Free Family Fun Saturday 21 June 2025

Get ready for a thrilling day out as Armed Forces Day takes over Ards Airfield with a free, action-packed celebration from 10:30am to 5pm.

From spectacular air shows to interactive exhibits, live music, and hands-on STEM fun – there’s something for everyone at this high-energy tribute to the Armed Forces community.

The day kicks off in style with the Official Armed Forces Parade stepping off from Court Square, Newtownards at 10:30am, featuring the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment, followed by a traditional Drumhead Service and Flag Raising at Ards Airfield.

This is a special opportunity to get an insight into the work of the Armed Forces and to show support for the everyone in the armed forces community: from those currently in service, to veterans, cadets, and their families. Always a fantastic free day out, this year’s line-up is stronger than ever with a full programme of activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.

Dazzling aerial displays are scheduled including Royal Air Force premier military parachute display team, The Falcons, Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a programme of military activity and get up close with on-ground exhibits that wouldn’t normally be seen by the public.

The event site will be buzzing with vibrant entertainment, music, fairground rides and fun things to do. A visit to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) tent is a must. You will enjoy a host of family-friendly activities planned throughout the day will celebrate innovation and inspire budding scientists of the future. Explore the depths of the universe with Armagh Planetarium and find out just how complicated or not rocket science really is with Ulster Rocketry. Discover what lies beneath Strangford Lough with Ulster Wildlife and Queen’s Marine Laboratory. Have a go at being a cyber security expert or chill out at one of the Lego™ stations. 

Find delicious treats at the on-site Food Village offering a range of over 30 food and drink options to ensure everyone is refreshed throughout the day and pick up a few culinary tips during live cooking demonstrations. 

Plan ahead to make the most of the day

Normal scheduled public transport services will be in operation on the event day. Additional special transport arrangements are in place to and from the event site.

Enjoy a hassle-free day with On-site Car Parking at Ards Airfield by pre-booking online at www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/AFD25 (capacity is limited and Ts and Cs apply).

Temporary Free Park and Ride from Bangor’s Former NIE site (Balloo Road), plus additional Event Shuttle Buses from Bangor Translink Station and Dundonald Glider Stop Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald will be in operation on the day.

Large numbers of visitors are expected to attend this event. Road closures are in place to facilitate this and inevitable travel disruption around Newtownards is anticipated. Please allow additional time and consider this when planning onward travel.

To find out more and plan your trip at www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/AFD25.

Keep an eye on the Council’s social media channels in the run up to event day.

Photo caption: Young Rory Pearson is pictured at Ards Airfield in a military vehicle ahead of Armed Forces Day.