Accommodation in Ards and North Down
What's on in Ards and North Down
You are here: What's on > Event Highlights > Armed Forces Day 2025 > Armed Forces Day Site Description
Click here for information on Armed Forces Day Activities | Armed Forces Plan Your Trip | Armed Forces Day Frequently Asked Questions
The event site is made up of mainly flat surfaces with a combination of grass areas that may be uneven under foot and flat surfaces on hard concrete with activities situated on both ground types. Wearing comfortable walking shoes or boots is advisable.
The event site is all outdoor and the site location adjacent to the Lough shore means it is often windy which can make it feel colder than inland locations. Please bear this in mind and check weather forecast when preparing for your visit.
Travel via
Buses will drop off at the Event Site at Newtownards Airfield, via the Portaferry Road entrance - 61 Portaferry Rd, Newtownards BT23 8SG
Full Road Closure: Portaferry Road (from the Portaferry Road roundabout to the Old Shore Road) will be closed from 8am to 8pm to ensure the safety and integrity of the site.
Single Lane Closure: For shuttle bus access on the Portaferry Road between George’s Street and the Portaferry Road roundabout throughout the day.
Disruption to traffic flows: Potential rolling road closures, during the parade (10.30am for approximately 40 minutes) from Court Street - South Street - High Street - Castle Street - Portaferry Road.
Diversions and coning: Temporary no-parking zones will be in place in the area throughout the day.
Book accessible parking | Book standard parking
Please see the Plan your Trip Section for further information.
There are seating areas at the event site within the food village.
There will be a quiet zone available on site.
Accessible viewing will be in place at the arena area. Capacity will be limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Air assets will be viewable across the whole site.
Accessoloo will be in attendance, at the front entrance to the events site. Assessoloo is a toilet facility for disabled people that has the right equipment, including adult changing table, ceiling hoist, lavatory, grab rails, hot and cold running water and heating and Lighting. Find out more about Accessoloo.
There will be no strobe lighting at the event.
Sign Language Audio Description are not offered currently.
We encourage visitors to travel via public transport, event buses or to use the ‘Park and Ride’ Service, find out more in the Plan Your Trip section.
Recycling
Please dispose of rubbish at the recycling stations provided. Read more about Sustainability.
Please help us continue our sustainability commitment to zero contamination at events by using the correct bin.
There will be team members from Recycling on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.
Directional signage will be in place throughout the site to guide you to various areas including entertainment, toilets, recycling, First Aid points, Information Area, there will also be members of event staff available to help you with directions or event information.
First aiders and ambulance services on site. There is a first aid tent, on foot patrol and vehicles.
Additionally, clear signage will guide you to these facilities.
Event organisers and staff reserve the right to refuse entry or request removal of any dog that:
• Is not under control
• Appears distressed or aggressive
• Is not identified as an assistance or emotional support animal.
For animal welfare and safety reasons dogs must not be left in vehicles at any time during the event.
For further accessibility information, please contact:
Ards Visitor Information Centre by Tel: 028 9182 6846 or Email: ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Bangor Visitor Information Centre Tel: 028 91 270069 or Email: bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
This event is organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with the UK Armed Forces - The Royal Navy, The British Army and Royal Air Force.
Details subject to change. Keep checking back to our website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.
© 2025 Ards and North Down Borough Council. All Rights Reserved