Red Arrows’ Only Northern Ireland Display to Highlight Armed Forces Day 2025
Newtownards, Northern Ireland – On Saturday, 21 June 2025, the skies above Newtownards will come alive as the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows perform their only display in Northern Ireland this year, headlining the Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day 2025.
Hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council at Ulster Flying Club Ards Airfield, this event promises to transform the venue into a bustling hub of activity, celebrating the dedication and service of the Armed Forces community. While it’s not a full-scale airshow—featuring just a select few aerial displays—it stands as the closest thing Northern Ireland will see to one in 2025, with no traditional airshows scheduled across the region this year.
Red Arrows
Midlands Air Festival 2024
The day kicks off at 10:30am with a spirited band performance, followed by the official regional Armed Forces Day military parade winding through Newtownards. From there, the action shifts to Ards Airfield, where a special Drumhead Service and Flag Raising ceremony will mark the start of a packed programme. UTV’s Paul Clarke will take the stage as compere, guiding visitors through a lineup that includes stirring performances by the Band, Bugles, Pipes, and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment. Alongside these musical highlights, the event offers a rare glimpse into the work of the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force through military activities not often seen by the public.
Aerial displays will steal the spotlight, with the Red Arrows leading the charge. Known for their precision and flair, the RAF’s aerobatic team will deliver a performance that’s exclusive not just to Northern Ireland but to the entire island of Ireland in 2025. Joining them is the C47 Dakota from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, sporting a striking new South East Asia Command (SEAC) camo paint scheme that’s sure to turn heads among aviation buffs. The UK’s premier military parachute team, the RAF Falcons, will round out the airborne lineup, bringing their daring drops and skillful maneuvers to thrill the crowds below.
Beyond the skies, the event is packed with entertainment for all ages. Live music will fill the air, food stalls will tempt taste buds, and a fun fair and lively street theatre will keep families engaged. Cookery demonstrations and technical challenges add an interactive twist, ensuring there’s plenty to see and do. The day will draw to a close with a grand Beating Retreat at 4pm, a ceremonial finale that honours the Armed Forces in style.
With its mix of breathtaking displays, military tradition, and family-friendly fun, Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day 2025 is shaping up to be a standout occasion. Full details of the programme, along with parking and park-and-ride information, will be released soon, so keep an eye out for updates as this exciting event draws near.
