DUP Councillor Tanya Stirling Proposes Hosting 2026 Armed Forces Day in Causeway Coast and Glens

DUP councillor Tanya Stirling has started a move to bring the Armed Forces Day events to Causeway Coast and Glens. She has proposed a motion that calls for a request to be made to host the 2026 event in the area.

The notice of motion reads "I call upon this council to submit an application to host Armed Forces Day 2026. This significant event is a great opportunity to show our support and give thanks to our military personnel and families both past and present including our veterans and cadets. This event will attract thousands of visitors to our Beautiful Borough, supporting our local traders and tourism providers."

Armed Forces Day, formerly known as Veterans Day, is observed annually in the UK towards the end of June. It pays tribute to the service rendered by both current and former British military personnel. The Ministry of Defence promotes the occasion, framing it as a way for the general public to support veterans, active military personnel, and cadets.

Coleraine hosted the main Armed Forces Day celebration in Northern Ireland in 2018. This year's festivities took place mostly in Larne and included some historic events including the King's formal birthday celebration with a 21-gun salute, an aerial display by the Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and musical performances by the Royal Irish Regiment Band.