Mid and East Antrim announced as Regional Armed Forces Day 2021 host venue

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to announce that it will host the regional Armed Forces Day event in 2021.

The borough previously hosted Armed Forces Day in 2015, with a number of events taking place throughout Mid and East Antrim, and are once again delighted to be the principal host for the 2021 celebration.

Mayor Cllr 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.”

Council Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy, added: “Mid and East Antrim has a proud history of supporting the efforts of our Armed Forces, past and present, and it is an honour to be asked to host the 2021 Armed Forces Day Regional Celebrations.

“The Royal Navy chose Carrickfergus to be one of a small number of harbours to welcome the summer deployment of the Royal Navy’s P2000 vessels this week, and we are delighted that members of the public were able to take in this fascinating display along our shoreline.

“We are certainly living through very difficult and uncertain times due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but we are keen to work alongside the Ministry of Defence and Northern Ireland Reserved Forces and Cadet Association, to ensure that we can deliver an event of this scale safely and in accordance with the public health guidelines set down by the Northern Ireland Executive.”

More details about the 2021 Armed Forces Day celebrations will be announced in due course on Council’s website www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk and via our social media channels.