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.
Entrance
- Pedestrian access | Pedestrian access is via the Portaferry Road entrance to Newtownards Airfield 61 Portaferry Rd, Newtownards BT23 8SG and the Comber Road entrance.
Travel via
- Park and Ride former NIE Site, 31 Balloo Road Bangor BT19 7TN
- Free Event Shuttle Bus service will operate from Bangor Translink Bus and Train station and Dundonald Glider Stop, Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald (beside Lidl)
Buses will drop off at the Event Site at Newtownards Airfield, via the Portaferry Road entrance - 61 Portaferry Rd, Newtownards BT23 8SG
Road closures/restrictions
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.
- Please allow extra time for travel and entry.
- Please note: To ensure public safety, extensions to road closures may be required at certain periods throughout the day.
The Floodgates Car Park and the path along the Floodgates
- To ensure public safety, the Floodgates Car Park and the path along the Floodgates will be closed between 8am and 8pm to ensure public safety during aerial displays.
Accessible Parking
- Accessible parking spaces must be pre-booked and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
- Customers requiring accessible parking must display a valid Blue Badge upon entry.
- Accessible vehicles will be parked on hard standing within the airfield grounds.
- While individual bays are not assigned, all pre-booked vehicles are guaranteed a space within the airfield.
- Due to the size of the event site, attendees should expect a 5-10 minute walk from the parking area to the main event area.
Book accessible parking | Book standard parking
Please see the Plan your Trip Section for further information.
Seating areas
There are seating areas at the event site within the food village.
Quiet Zone
There will be a quiet zone available on site.
Accessible Viewing Area
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.
Accessible Toilets
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.
Strobe Lighting
There will be no strobe lighting at the event.
Access to performances
Sign Language Audio Description are not offered currently.
Sustainability
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
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.
Medical Services
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.
Dogs On Site
- Dogs are not permitted on Newtownards Airfield during public events. In line with the airfield’s policy, dogs will not be allowed on site at Armed Forces Day.
- Exceptions will be made for accredited assistance dogs/ emotional support dogs. Both must be easily identified for their purpose by the dog handler (Identification tags). This approach is followed at all public events at the airfield and reflects the airfield’s commitment to public safety, operational practicality, and inclusivity.
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.
