Event Programme
There will be lots of free family-friendly activities to enjoy throughout the day, so coming early to make the most of the day is recommended.
Find out more about the event | Armed Forces Day Landing Page | Armed Forces Day Plan Your Trip | Armed Forces Day Frequently Asked Questions | Armed Forces Day Site Description
10:30 | Event Site opens at Newtownards Airfield
10:30 | Official Regional Armed Forces Day military parade through Newtownards from The War Memorial , Court Square to Newtownards Airfield with military bands and over 400 military personnel in attendance.
Music will be provided by
- Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment)
- Pipes and Drums from Royal Dragoon Guards (RDG)
- Pipes and Drums from Campbell College Belfast Combined Cadet Force (CCB CCF)
- Pipes and Drums from 502 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
11:30 | Drumhead Service and Gun Salute at Newtownards Airfield
12:00 | Royal Air Force premier military parachute display team, The Falcons
12.15pm | Flag Raising
14:15| Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows
15:30 | Beating Retreat
17:00 | Event Close
Aerial Displays
It has been confirmed that the aerial display on the day will include, 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.
Additional Activities
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a programme of military activity that wouldn’t normally be seen by the public, see Event Programme, as well as:
Music provided by
- Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment)
- Pipes and Drums from Royal Dragoon Guards (RDG)
- Pipes and Drums from Campbell College Belfast Combined Cadet Force (CCB CCF)
- Pipes and Drums from 502 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
Stem Tent
Visit the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) tent for lots of family activities.
- 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 Queens Marine Laboratory.
- Have a go at being a cyber security expert, or chill out at one of the Lego™ stations – designed for children of all ages.
- Even better, all the activities in the STEM tent are free!
Plus...
- All the fun of the fair with funfair favourites
- On ground aircraft displays
- Live music throughout the day
- 1940s themed dancing from Ballroom Blitz.
- Food Village, with over 30 food and drink vendors and a variety of local craft stalls
- Live cooking demos in the SERC Demo Kitchen
Please note that all timings are indicative only, and are subject to change up to and including on the day of this event.
Programming such as aerial displays are weather dependent and are subject to change or cancellation at short notice.
Newtownards town (particularly the areas around Newtownards Airfield) is expected to be extremely busy with inevitable traffic disruption.
Please allow for additional travel time to and from the event site and for connections to onwards journeys.
