Statement by TUV Ballymena councillor Donna Anderson:
“I am delighted that the Armed Forces regional event for Northern Ireland will this year be coming to Mid and East Antrim Council. As a member of the Armed Forces Day steering group I am committed to giving my all to ensure that this event is a huge success.
“The three day event from 19th to 21st June will be spread right across the new council area and I hope this will help to build links and a sense of common identity in Mid and East Antrim.
“Historic Carrickfergus will provide an excellent backdrop to the opening maritime events on the Friday evening and I am delighted that Ballymena will host a major parade of military personnel, veterans and cadets on the Saturday. Events will come to a close on the Sunday with a religious service in Larne.”
Bannside TUV councillor and Deputy Presiding Councillor of Mid and East Antrim Council Timothy Gaston added:
“I am proud that an event of this nature is coming to the Council and delighted that events has been spread so effectively across the entire council.
“This event has huge potential to attract visitors to the area and has the potential to be a welcome economic boost to business in the area.
“This event will be an important test for the new council. It will be the first time that we will host something of this scale.
“There is a duty upon the whole council to ensure that it is an event which pays fitting tribute to our brave armed forces and ensures that people of all ages from across Northern Ireland have a good time when they visit Mid and East Antrim.”