Resident, Local Business and Mariners Information

Armed Forces Day, Saturday 21 June 2025

Newtownards Airfield/ Town Centre Parade - EVENT RELATED DISRUPTION

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Residents and Businesses

Ards and North Down is hosting the above national event at Newtownards Airfield (10.30am to 5pm), and the Armed Forces Day Parade through Newtownards Town Centre (10.30-11.30am).

Armed Forces Day is a very popular event and large numbers of attendees are anticipated. Travel and traffic management arrangements will be in place but some disruption in and around the town is inevitable.

Please consider whether your personal or business activities will be impacted on the day. 

Red Arrows Display - Exclusion Zone

Please note that the exclusion zone for the display extends across the Lough affecting access across and to both sides of the Lough, this means all navigable waters, mudflats, foreshore, extending to adjacent verges, footpaths and Portaferry Road. No person or vehicle can be within the exclusion zone during the time of the closure.

NOTICE TO MARINERS

On-Water Exclusion Zone – Red Arrows Air Display

Date: Saturday 21st June 2025

Time: 1330 hrs to 1530 hrs (Local Time)

Mariners are advised that, to facilitate an aerial display by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, an on-water exclusion zone will be established on Strangford Lough in the vicinity of Newtownards Airfield on Saturday 21st June 2025, between 1330 hrs and 1530 hrs (local time).

During this period, no vessels are permitted to enter the exclusion zone. The exclusion zone includes all navigable waters, mud flats and foreshore lying north of a line drawn between the following two positions, bounded by the high-water mark.

Position A: 54°34'08.89"N, 005°41'52.29"W

Position B: 54°34'24.43"N, 005°39'51.53"W

Download notice with visual of exclusion zone 

This safety measure is required for the duration of the air display. If the exclusion zone is breached at any point, the display will be cancelled immediately. All vessels are required to keep clear and comply with this direction. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to facilitate this event, which will be enjoyed by thousands.

Issued by: Ards and North Down Borough Council Date of Issue: 16 June 2025

Please read: Important Travel Information on the run up to Armed Forces Day.