Lisburn Castlereagh Gets Set to Host Regional Armed Forces Day Event
May 9, 2019
Thousands of people are expected to descend on Lisburn on Saturday 22nd June to be part of the regional Armed Forces Day event.
A full day of free entertainment will commence at 10.15am with a parade through the city centre of serving, veteran and cadet personnel from all the Armed Forces along with their accompanying bands, the Royal British Legion and former service Associations. The parade will finish in the award winning Wallace Park, which is also hosting a number of activities to suit everyone.
This regional Armed Forces Day showcase is expected to attract a huge number of military personnel, family, friends and supporters. The celebratory parade will conclude in Wallace Park for a Drumhead Service at 11.30am.
The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin is looking forward to a memorable day. He said: “I would encourage members of the public to show their appreciation for our Armed Forces by supporting this wonderful occasion either on our streets or in Wallace Park. It is set to be a very exciting day for Lisburn as people from across Northern Ireland come together to remember, reflect and mark the ongoing commitment of the Armed Services.
“This regional event is everyone’s opportunity to celebrate what our veterans have achieved, what our current troops are striving to achieve and the opportunities on offer to future generations of soldiers, sailors and air force personnel who are willing to dedicate their lives to protect us. The council will also fly the Armed Forces Flag at Lagan Valley Island to deliver a message to residents and visitors that Lisburn appreciates the dedication and achievements of all our service personnel; and support the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, and from veterans to cadets.”
The first gun fire of the day will ring out at 12 noon signaling the start of a packed afternoon of activities in Wallace Park. This includes a performance by the Military Wives Choir, Peter Corry, two sessions by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a flypast by the Red Arrows, parachute displays by the RAF Falcons and the RLC Silver Stars. There will also be a military village, displays by the Ulster Aviation Society including a restored Spitfire and helicopters, old military vehicles, bouncy castles and wide variety of children’s entertainment, a tug of war competition, climbing walls and indoor firing ranges and an unarmed combat display.
The day will come to a spectacular close with an extraordinary performance from the unique Band of the Royal Marines as they ‘Beat the Retreat’ – prepare to be thrilled and enthralled by this unforgettable experience.
For further information go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/AFD2019 or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
What is happening on the day?
10.15am Parade from Lagan Valley Island through city centre to Wallace Park Centre to the town centre
11.30am – 11.50am Drumhead Service in Wallace Park
12 noon First gun fire of the day
12 noon – 5.00pm Activities and live entertainment in Wallace Park
RAF Falcons Parachute Display (weather dependant) – timings TBC
5.00pm Gun fire to conclude main event
5.30pm – 6.00pm Band of the Royal Marines - Beating and Retreat
Details of a free Park and Ride facility which will operate from Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields will be published closer to the event.
Additional disabled parking will be available close to Wallace Park. Details to follow.
Traffic and Travel Information
Road Closures
The parade route will be closed on a staggered basis as the parade moves through the city centre. These closures will be between 10.15am and 11.00am.
Appropriate diversions will be in place.
Car parking
Parking at Lagan Valley Island will not be possible from 9.00pm Friday 21st June to 9.00pm Saturday 22nd June.
There will be no parking available in Wallace Park.
All city centre car parks will be operate as usual.
A full list of additional car parking facilities will be released closer to the date.