Newtownards to host Armed Forces Day 2025

24th March 2025

Visitors to Newtownards can enjoy breathtaking aerial displays, a military parade and a host of family friendly entertainment, cookery demonstrations and technical challenges when Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day 2025 (AFD25) comes to the town in June.

Photo caption: At the launch of Armed Forces Day 2025 are Cdr Thomas Wardley RN (Senior Naval Officer NI); Lt Col Kevin Thomas (SO1 Engagement | Headquarters 38 (Irish) Brigade & Joint Military Command (NI)); Councillor Alistair Cathcart (Mayor of Ards and North Down); Wg Cdr Jacqueline Rankin (SO1 Engagement, Media & Comms, NI (RAF)); together with local children Oliver and Rory. Image: Ian Pedlow

Ards and North Down Borough Council will host the national event on Saturday 21 June 2025 at Newtownards Airfield. It will give visitors an insight into the work of the Armed Forces – Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force – as well as celebrating and honouring those who serve and have served.

It has been confirmed that the aerial display on the day will include the C47 Dakota from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the UK’s premier military parachute display team, the Falcons. The much loved and revered Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will also be in the skies on 21 June – the only Northern Ireland display in their calendar this year.

The event will start at 10:30am with a band performance and the official regional Armed Forces Day military parade through Newtownards. This will be followed by a special Drumhead Service and Flag Raising at Ards Airfield. UTV presenter, Paul Clarke, will act as compere and talk visitors through the programme, which will include musical performances from the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums Royal Irish Regiment.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a programme of military activity that wouldn’t normally be seen by the public, along with live music, food stalls a fun fair and lively street theatre.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, welcomed the event to the area saying: “We are delighted to host this year’s Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day. Newtownards Airfield offers a lot of scope for action and activity throughout the day, and we look forward to welcoming the thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland who annually support this superb event. Having such an exciting programme of flying displays will certainly add to the occasion and we are very grateful to the RAF for their support in this respect.

“Our Borough has a close affinity with the Armed Forces and a rich military history through the likes of Colonel Paddy Blair Mayne and Major General Rollo Gillespie of Comber who fought in India so I know it will be a great source of pride to many residents that we are able to host AFD25 in Newtownards.”

Brigadier Andrew Muddiman ADC RM, Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “AFD25, as the annual keynote celebration of the Armed Forces, gives the chance to highlight the Royal Navy’s engagement with local organisations and contribution to cadet training, inspiring young people and fostering strong relationships with the local community. Along with an ongoing successful industrial partnership, the Royal Navy continues to enjoy a committed and valued presence in Northern Ireland.” 

Brigadier Jamie Murray, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade and Joint Military Commander (Northern Ireland) said: “On behalf of all members of 38 (Irish) Brigade, I would like to thank the councillors, officers and staff of Ards and North Down Borough Council for generously agreeing to host Armed Forces Day this year. Thank you also to the community for their continued support of the Armed Forces – it means a great deal to all those who serve to have such support.”

He added: “It will be an honour for us to display the Army and to meet the community that we serve on Armed Forces Day 2025.” 

Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC, RAF Air Officer for Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be able to support AFD25 at Newtownards Airfield with Air Assets which meets the RAF in Northern Ireland themes of Partnership, Prosperity and Normalisation. As ever it is a unique opportunity to engage with the people of Northern Ireland and demonstrate how the RAF protects our people and endeavours to add value.”  

The free to attend event takes place on Saturday 21 June, 10:30am – 5pm, at Newtownards Airfield. It will close in style with a Beating Retreat at 4pm. Full programme details and information on parking/park and ride will be available soon. Please go to www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/afd25 and watch our socials for the latest information.