Armed Forces Day comes to Antrim

There was a full on '˜invasion' in Antrim on Wednesday as the town prepares to host Armed Forces Day in June.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Mar 2016, 11:30 BST
Updated 18th Mar 2016, 11:32 BST
Wing Commander Alison Moodie, Brigadier Commander Andrew Roe, Lord Lieutenant Joan Christie OBE, Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Councillor Thomas Hogg, Commander John Gray , Councillor Paul Michael (Chair of Armed Forces Day Steering Group).Wing Commander Alison Moodie, Brigadier Commander Andrew Roe, Lord Lieutenant Joan Christie OBE, Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Councillor Thomas Hogg, Commander John Gray , Councillor Paul Michael (Chair of Armed Forces Day Steering Group).
Wing Commander Alison Moodie, Brigadier Commander Andrew Roe, Lord Lieutenant Joan Christie OBE, Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Councillor Thomas Hogg, Commander John Gray , Councillor Paul Michael (Chair of Armed Forces Day Steering Group).

The family event on June 18, 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.

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At Wednesday’s launch Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg, said: “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.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Thomas Hogg, Lord Lieutenant Joan Christie OBE, Councillor Paul Michael (Chair of Armed Forces Day Steering Group) pictured with Military personnel at The Barbican Gate in Antrim.Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Thomas Hogg, Lord Lieutenant Joan Christie OBE, Councillor Paul Michael (Chair of Armed Forces Day Steering Group) pictured with Military personnel at The Barbican Gate in Antrim.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Thomas Hogg, Lord Lieutenant Joan Christie OBE, Councillor Paul Michael (Chair of Armed Forces Day Steering Group) pictured with Military personnel at The Barbican Gate in Antrim.

“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.”

Brigadier Commander Andrew Roe added: “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 June 18 has been immensely professional.”

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He added: “Although it’s Armed Forces Day, it is really a family day when every one of all ages will enjoy a great day out.”

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

Related topics:AntrimVeteransMayor