Thousands of visitors are expected in Coleraine on Saturday for Armed Forces Day, a family event featuring military displays, live entertainment, and interactive exhibits at Christie Park. The programme also includes special celebrations to recognise the contribution of the Armed Forces community.

Coleraine Bus and Train Station is a ten-minute walk from the park, and a free Park and Ride service will operate from Rugby Avenue Playing Fields on the Mountsandel Road from 7am to 6.30pm. Free accessible shuttle buses will run regularly to drop-off points at New Market Street and The Mall Car Park. Visitors can also use free Park and Stride sites at the Vineyard Church on Hillmans Way and The Crescent Playing Fields between the Bushmills and Ballycastle roads, with stewards and signage to guide pedestrians.

Accessible parking for Blue Badge holders will be available in town centre car parks, with additional temporary spaces at The Market Yard and Killowen Green on Strand Road. Spaces must be booked in advance by phoning Portrush Visitor Information Centre on 028 7082 3333 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 4pm on Sundays in summer months.

A series of temporary road closures will be in place from 7am to 7pm, affecting streets around the Diamond including Kingsgate Street, Church Street, Park Street, New Row, Society Street, Stone Row, Abbey Street, Bridge Street, and Queen Street. A single-lane closure will operate adjacent to Christie Park from the Old Bridge to Killowen Primary School, and one lane of the Newbridge Road dual carriageway will be closed near the Rugby Avenue Park and Ride, affecting inbound traffic from the A26 Ballymoney direction.

Resident access will be maintained where possible, and signed diversion routes will direct motorists. Delays are expected throughout the day in the town centre and around Christie Park.

PSNI Superintendent Yvonne McManus, District Commander for Causeway Coast and Glens, said officers would be visible on the ground and urged the public to report any suspicious activity to uniformed staff or by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. She advised people to arrive early, park legally, and to use alternative routes if not attending the event, to avoid expected traffic disruption.