Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council today announced the annual Armed Forces Day is set for Antrim on Saturday 18 June.

This Family Fun Day event will commence with a parade of Regulars, Reserves, Cadets and Veterans through Antrim town and Antrim Castle Gardens to Antrim Stadium, followed by a Drumhead Service.  In the stadium a full line up of family fun events awaits, from assault courses in the military recruitment village to arena acts to wow the crowd, street traders, military bands and a capability demonstration showing the current work of the Tri-Services plus much more.

At today’s launch Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg, commented “The Council is delighted to host this year’s Armed Forces Northern Ireland Regional event in Antrim and it is fitting given the town’s garrison history and central location. Our facilities at both the Antrim Forum and Antrim Castle Gardens are second to none and lend themselves to hosting a major event such as this.  I would urge everyone to tell all contacts and friends to put Saturday 18 June into their diary.”

Brigadier Commander Andrew Roe commented “All members of the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland as well as veterans and youth involved in the Cadet forces are hugely appreciative to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for hosting what is going to be an incredibly enjoyable day for ourselves and families from far and wide.  Our links with Antrim go deep and the organisational support for this event on the 18th of June has been immensely professional.  Although it’s Armed Forces Day, it is really a family day when every one of all ages will enjoy a great day out.

You are invited to join in this annual event which is a celebration of the Armed Forces. This event attracts thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond, we are looking forward to welcoming day trippers and tourists to our Borough.  The Council would also like to take the opportunity to encourage local people to support the event by lining the parade route on Saturday 18 June and supporting our local traders.

For further information on Armed Forces Day please visit our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/afd