News

Countdown to Armed Forces Day begins!

Monday 15 May 2023

With just one month to go to Armed Forces Day 2023, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is encouraging residents from across the Borough and beyond to join what promises to be an action-packed day filled with something for the whole family!

Taking place at Sandy Bay Playing Fields in Larne from 10am on Saturday 17 June, Armed Forces Day 2023 will begin with a parade to the venue and a Drumhead service, concluding that evening with a Beating Retreat finale.

Entertainment throughout the day will include live music by talented musicians from The Music Yard in Larne, alongside hits from the forties, fifties and sixties by close harmony trio, The Swingtime Starlets, and rousing numbers from righteous rock and soul brothers The Gold Tips.

Attendees will also be treated to a wealth of activities and attractions, including:

  • Performance from The Band of the Royal Irish Regiment
  • Military Village
  • Interactive & static military displays
  • 21 Gun Salute for the King’s official birthday
  • Parachute display by Silver Stars Royal Logistics Corp
  • RAF Display team featuring Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and Hurricane
  • Army Air Corp Gazelle helicopter (static display)
  • RAF Police Military Working Dogs display
  • Children’s entertainment
  • Ulster Aviation Society static display
  • Science Technology Engineering Maths (STEM) competition

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said;

“Armed Forces Day brings an important opportunity to recognise the honourable service of the Armed Forces, past and present.

“Having had a strong history of recognising the sterling work of our servicemen and women in the Armed Forces, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is exceptionally proud to be hosting Armed Forces Day in Larne next month.

“Now that we are just a few weeks out, preparations are really ramping up and excitement is building towards what will be a day that sees our Borough do what it does best – that is coming together to celebrate family, community and military culture, and to showcase the very best of local talent.

“As a former serviceman myself, I very much look forward to Armed Forces Day and welcome residents of the Borough and visitors alike to what I know will be a truly fantastic day.”

Further information about Armed Forces Day, together with a travel plan for the event, can be found on our Armed Forces Day 2023 event page.