The iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster (Image: Darren Harbar)
Reserve your calendars for Armed Forces Day 2024 – a sterling line up of free family fun planned with military precision.
Jordanstown Loughshore Park will transform into a vibrant hub of activity for all on Saturday 22 June from 10am until 5pm, honouring the men and women of our Armed Forces.
To get the day off to a flying start, over 600 military personnel will take part in a Drumhead Service at Whiteabbey War Memorial before parading to Jordanstown Loughshore Park, this colourful spectacle will include the Bands of HM Royal Marines and the Royal Irish Regiment.
Red Arrows with a new nine aircraft aerobatic display.
A gun salute will take place at 11.45am in respect of this special occasion, before the Red Arrows dazzle the skies with a new nine aircraft aerobatic display as part of their 60th diamond season. Air displays by the RAF Tutor and the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, will also form part of a mini-air show promising an exciting afternoon of aerial display.
Audiences will be transported back in time as they are entertained by music from the Victory Rollers and the Threemilewater Orchestra, whilst other highlights will include Military Demonstrations, Children’s Entertainment, STEM competitions, a Military Village and a number of market stalls. Tracked armoured vehicles the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT) and Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) are also part of an impressive programme of events.
Throughout the day, additional family fun is also planned for Hazelbank Park to complement the event.
A Beating Retreat by the Band of HM Royal Marines (Scotland) and the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment’ will conclude Armed Forces Day 2024, a military musical spectacular to end a day of celebration of our Armed Forces.
Lt Col Kevin Thomas, Wg Cdr Jacqueline Rankin, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Mark Cooper BEM, Colonel Neil Salisbury,OBE, DL, Lt Cdr Mark McCrea, Ursula Fay and cadets at the Armed Forces Day launch.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM commented,
“We are just six weeks away from this show-stopping event which will honour the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
“We have lots planned for this FREE family fun event with a mini air-show headlined by the spectacular Red Arrows, I would encourage everyone to join in the fun and make a day of it.”
For more information on Armed Forces Day, including Parking, Programme, Accessibility and FAQs, visit: