Heading to Armed Forces Day in Coleraine? Here's how to get there...
Visitors planning to attend Armed Forces Day 2026 in Coleraine are advised to plan their journeys ahead of the celebration taking place at Christie Park on Saturday, June 20.
Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to the Borough for the event, which will feature a packed programme of military displays, live entertainment, family activities, interactive exhibits and special celebrations recognising the contribution of the Armed Forces community.
To help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable day, a number of temporary traffic management measures, road closures and transport arrangements will be in place throughout Coleraine.
Public Transport
Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport where possible.
Coleraine Bus and Train Station is located approximately a ten-minute walk from Christie Park, providing convenient access for those travelling by rail or bus.
Translink journey planning information can be found at Translink Journey Planner. Anyone living locally is encouraged to walk or cycle to the event where possible.
Free Park and Ride
A free Park and Ride service will operate throughout the day from Rugby Avenue Playing Fields, Rugby Avenue (off Mountsandel Road), Coleraine, BT52 1LJ. Operating hours: 7.00am – 6.30pm.
Free accessible shuttle buses will run regularly throughout the day. Drop-off locations: New Market Street and The Mall Car Park.
Park and Stride
Visitors can also make use of free Park and Stride facilities, allowing them to park nearby and walk a short distance to Christie Park. Stewards and directional signage will be in place to assist pedestrians along the route.
Locations include the Vineyard Church, 10 Hillmans Way, Coleraine, BT52 2ED and The Crescent Playing Fields, The Crescent, Coleraine, BT52 2DS (located between the Bushmills Road and Ballycastle Road).
Accessibility Parking
Accessible parking arrangements will be available for Blue Badge holders. Accessible parking is available within town centre car parks, with additional temporary accessible parking provided at The Market Yard and Killowen Green, Strand Road.
Spaces must be booked in advance by contacting Portrush Visitor Information Centre on 028 7082 3333. Opening hours – Monday to Saturday: 9am-5pm (closed 1-1.30pm for lunch), Sunday (June to September): 12 noon-4pm. Bookings can be made by telephone only.
Road Closures and Traffic Management
A number of temporary road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place between 7am and 7pm on Saturday, June 20.
Around Coleraine town centre, the following streets will be closed:
Kingsgate Street. Church Street, The Diamond, Park Street, New Row, Society Street, Stone Row, Abbey Street, Bridge Street, Queen Street and
Strand Road.
A single-lane closure will be in operation adjacent to Christie Park, extending from the Old Bridge to the junction of Killowen Primary School.
Newbridge Road Dual Carriageway
One lane of the dual carriageway will be closed adjacent to the Rugby Avenue Park and Ride facility. This will affect the left-hand lane travelling from the A26 Ballymoney direction into Coleraine.
Resident access will be maintained where possible, and clearly signposted diversion routes will be in place.
Motorists are advised to allow additional travel time, as delays are expected in and around Coleraine town centre and Christie Park throughout the day.
PSNI Superintendent Yvonne McManus, District Commander for Causeway Coast and Glens, said: "Our officers will be visible on the ground in Coleraine on Armed Forces Day, and members of the public have an important role to play in helping us to keep people safe.
"Report anything you see or hear that appears suspicious by approaching a member of uniformed security staff, an officer patrolling at the event, or by calling us on the police non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
"Disruption to traffic is expected in and around Coleraine town centre, and those planning to attend the event are urged to arrive early and locate parking in good time to avoid parking illegally.
"Traffic management systems will be in place in the area to monitor diversions and enable local residents to access their homes; however, if you do not plan on attending, please seek an alternative route for your journey to avoid expected delays.
"We hope everyone thoroughly enjoys this family-orientated event, but please do so in a safe manner by acting responsibly at all times."