Due to the number of anticipated visitors we would advise you to carefully plan your journey in advance to ensure your day gets off to a smooth start!
Please see below some travel arrangements that will be in place throughout the event;
- Shore Road, Newtownabbey will be closed in both directions between Station Road and Shore Avenue from 9.30am to 5pm. Resident access will be permitted and appropriate diversions will be in place for all other traffic.
- Temporary free Park and Ride locations will be available at Ulster University Jordanstown, Northern Regional College, Abbey Community College, Abbey Presbyterian Church, Spirit AeroSystems (Doagh Road site) and Nortel Social Club - free shuttle buses will run between these car parks and Jordanstown Loughshore Park.
- An additional Park and Ride system to Jordanstown Loughshore Park will operate hourly from the Odyssey Belfast (standard parking charges apply).
- A Park and Stride system will be in operation from Belfast High School, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland and Jordanstown Special School for those wanting to park for free and walk the short distance to Jordanstown Loughshore Park.
- Both Whiteabbey and Jordanstown Train Stations are within a short ten minute walk to Jordanstown Loughshore Park, however there will be free shuttle buses operating from both locations and Mossley West train station, and also between Loughshore Park and Hazelbank Park.
- Shuttle buses will operate from 9.30am – 6pm and run every 20-30 minutes on all routes except Route 1 (Mossley West Train Station) which will mirror train times.
Full details of all the Park and Ride routes are available on the Council’s website. www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/armedforcesday
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly commented: “With just under a week to go until Armed Forces Day, the final touches are being made to this popular event. Due to the high volume of expected visitors, I would encourage everyone to use public transport, car share, or use the Park and Ride services available. I’d also like to ask visitors to please be respectful of local residents and businesses when parking in the area.
“Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to us and our partners in the PSNI will be present on the day to help and support this.”
Superintendent David Gray, Operational lead for the policing of the event said: “In the run up to the event on Saturday 22 June, our teams will be carrying out their wide-reaching checks and searches to ensure the area is safe for those participating in the event and those making their way to Loughshore Park to attend.
“A number of visible measures will be in place on the day, from our Roads Policing teams and to officers patrolling on foot with police dogs, to keep everyone safe and reassured. It’s important to know that these teams will all be present to keep you safe and will allow for an enjoyable day of entertainment, stunning air-show displays and live demonstrations.
“Remember, you are our extra eyes and ears, so we ask that you remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us. If something doesn’t seem right, please tell one of our officers or a member of security staff on site. You will always have a unique perspective from what you can see and hear first-hand when amongst the crowds.
“On a practical note, please ensure you allow extra time to get to the event as traffic delays are inevitable, and local diversions will be in place from 9am. There will be an increase in footfall with people entering and leaving the area and public transport is expected to be much busier than usual, so please make use of the park and ride facilities which will be outlined on the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council website.
“We have a long history of policing these events and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure those attending have a safe and enjoyable time. If you see any of our policing teams while enjoying the event, please come and say hello, they will be more than happy to chat to you.”
For more details including the full programme of events and schedule, FAQs and Accessibility, visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/armedforcesday