Mid and East Antrim secures Armed Forces Day 2021 celebration

The local authority, which previously hosted the programme in 2015, made the announcement when it welcomed vessels from the Royal Navy to Carrickfergus Harbour yesterday (Wednesday).

The Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “I am proud to announce that Mid and East Antrim has been chosen as the host venue for the Regional Armed Forces Day 2021 celebrations.

“This is a prestigious honour for our borough, particularly as we mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, and reinforces the long-held tradition of the borough’s support for our Armed Forces.

“I was delighted last month to be able to welcome the First Minister, Arlene Foster, along with Junior Minister Gordon Lyons, and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, as we hoisted the Armed Forces Flag, and look forward to planning for next year’s celebrations.

“We are, of course, mindful that any event is subject to the coronavirus pandemic and the various restrictions set down by the Northern Ireland Executive, and will adhere to those at all times.”

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Andrew Wilson, said: “I am really looking forward to Armed Forces Day returning to Carrickfergus. We have hosted the day before with great success and I am sure that it will once again be a day to remember.”

More details about the 2021 Armed Forces Day celebrations will be announced in due course on council’s website www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Seven Archer Class P2000 patrol boats have been sailing around the coastline of Scotland and Northern Ireland this month, stopping off in a select number of harbours, of which Carrickfergus is one.

At 20 metres in length, the vessels are some of the smallest in the Royal Navy fleet, meaning the town was the ideal location for berthing.

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