Northern Ireland: Balmoral Show - Wednesday 13th - Saturday 16th May

The Balmoral Show is Northern Ireland's largest agricultural event, taking place annually in May at Balmoral Park in Lisburn. It features a variety of activities, including livestock competitions, equestrian events, and family-friendly entertainment. 

The event showcases local produce, agriculture innovations, and is a significant celebration of rural life and farming culture in the region.

For more details, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Statement, in respect to Coagh Inquest Appeal Ruling

 

Please see the statement below from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone in respect to yesterday's Coagh Inquest Appeal Ruling:

Yesterday's Appeal Court ruling by Lady Chief Justice Keegan, that a coroner was legally entitled to find a SAS soldier justified in shooting an unarmed IRA driver, as part of a collective terrorist threat to life, is to be welcomed. Lady Chief Justice Keegan said the SAS member ( Soldier B ) who opened fire, at an IRA terrorist attack in Coagh in 1991, had responded proportionately in a lethal situation, a fact already established at the initial inquest and an appeal.

This ruling also highlights the ongoing concerns that veterans have with the wider legacy process and some of the current proposals contained within the Troubles Bill. For many veterans, this ‘lawfare’, particularly through the coronial system, has become the punishment. Lady Chief Justice Keegan was clear in stating the grounds of this legal challenge were not the purpose of Judicial Reviews. In other words, this is a misuse of the legal system.

Millions of pounds of public money is being channelled into legal cases that lack any substance, consuming court time and prolonging hardship for veterans and their families who are more often than not, left in limbo for years.

I also welcome the public comments of the SAS Regimental Association and the retired Generals who understand, better than anyone, the challenging nature of operations like Coagh, where soldiers, sent by the UK Government, found themselves in combat situations facing armed terrorists.

As Veterans Commissioner, I will continue to advocate for a legacy process that ensures fairness for all. I will continue to highlight the ‘lawfare’ strategy being used, particularly through coroners inquests, that seeks to create a narrative of wholesale demonisation of those who served, the vast majority of whom did so, with huge restraint and professionalism.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: North West 200 - 4th - 9th May

 

North West 200 is Ireland's largest outdoor sporting event, attracting huge crowds, as well as the biggest names in sport.

With nearly 100 years of racing history and home to the only mass start in road racing - there is truly No Where like the North West 200. 

For more details, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: 110th Battle of the Somme Commemoration Service - 1st July

 

Expression of Interest for the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, Service of Commemoration at the Ulster Memorial Tower, Thiepval, France, 1st July 2026 at 1430hrs (Time TBC)

Please see poster for more details.

Please EMAIL Carol at sommeassociation@btconnect.com

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Defence garden Scheme - Spring Programme

 

Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS) warmly invites veterans, service leavers, and family members to take part in our Recovery & Resilience Horticultural Therapy Spring Programme.

Ashes to Gold, 251 Dunhill Road, Macosquinn, Coleraine BT51 3QJ
Starting Wednesday 15th April
10 weeks – one day per week

This supportive, nature-based programme offers a calm and welcoming space to:
Rebuild confidence
Improve wellbeing
Connect with others who understand your journey

Through guided gardening and horticultural activities, you’ll learn new skills, strengthen resilience, and experience the healing power of nature.

We would be truly honoured to welcome you into our growing community—where together we nurture strength, connection, and wellbeing.

Rooted in nature and guided by evidence-based practice, this programme supports the Armed Forces community while bringing together People, Place, and Purpose.

Contact details can be found on the poster.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Veteran Services Northern Ireland Update

 

Important Update from Veterans Services Northern Ireland

We want to let you know about some recent changes to how you can contact Veterans Services Northern Ireland (formerly known as the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland).

New Contact Number:
Due to comms restructuring, landline numbers are no longer in use. You can now reach the team on their new mobile number:
07387 05 05 64

Email Address (unchanged): dbsafvs-vws-ni@mod.gov.uk

Please note, while the name and phone contact have changed, the services and support available remain exactly the same. Veterans across Northern Ireland can continue to access the same trusted welfare services, advice, and information.

If you or someone you know needs support, don’t hesitate to get in touch using the details above.

Veteran’s Services Northern Ireland are here to help, please feel free to share to help spread the word.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Causeway Coast & Glens Events for 2026

 

For more details please visit Events | Whats On | Visit Causeway Coast & Glens

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Saturday 18th April - Rugby Union match between NI Blackthorns & Irish Guards

 

Open to all associated with the Military.

For more details please scan the QR code or click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Armed Forces Covenant Passes in Belfast City Council

 

ARMED FORCES COVENANT ADOPTED BY BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

I was delighted to receive a call from the Veterans Champion for Belfast City Council, Cllr James Lawlor to inform me that the council had formally adapted the Armed Forces Covenant. 

Coming so soon after the positive vote in Stormont last November, this news will be very welcome.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly. It is not, as some claim, about preferential treatment, but rather making sure there is no disadvantage as a result of service. 

Any political party, who believes in equality, and who wants to see an end to discrimination, could not object to the principles of the covenant. It is important for society in Northern Ireland that members of the Armed Forces and veterans receive the recognition that they deserve.

I want to pay tribute to Cllr James Lawlor, as the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion in Belfast City Council, for his tireless work to achieve this positive vote.

David Johnstone
NI Veterans Commissioner

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: The Wessex Cinema Aldergrove, April Showings

Please keep an eye on the BFBS Cinemas website for the latest listings and updates to all missing BBFC ratings and running times.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Armed Forces Day - Saturday 20th June - Coleraine

 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is proud to announce that Armed Forces Day 2026 will take place in Coleraine on Saturday 20 June 2026.

Delivered in collaboration with the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, this special event will celebrate the dedication and service of our Armed Forces community, from serving personnel to veterans, reservists and cadets.

What to expect:

A spectacular RAF flypast
A vibrant military parade through Coleraine town centre
Interactive displays and family-friendly attractions
Opportunities to meet service personnel and learn more about the Armed Forces

It promises to be a memorable, free day out for all ages - mark your diary and join us on Saturday 20 June 2026 in Coleraine!

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4kQ3mDG

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Latest AWS Community Support events at Aldergrove and Lisburn

 

For more details and to register, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Latest Edition of Veterans Commissioners Newsletters are out now

The latest editions of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Newsletter are now available.

Click the link below to catch up on the latest news, upcoming events, and key updates for the veteran community in Northern Ireland.

NI Veterans Commissioner's Office

Newsletters - NI Veterans Commissioner's Office

#VeteransNI #NIVeteransCommissioner #VeteransNewsletter #NICommunity #VeteransVoice

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council Events for 2026

 

From festivals and fairs to fireworks and family fun, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council bring you another packed year of events across the Borough.

For more details please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

North Ireland: Youth Club Provisions for Northern Ireland with Army Welfare Service

For more details please email AWS here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Pre-School & Primary 1 admissions for September 2026

 

Admissions criteria for applications to Pre-school and Primary One for September 2026 are now live on our website.

It is important that you read the published admissions criteria for each of the Pre-school settings or Primary schools you wish to list on your application.

More information on applying for a pre-school or primary school place is available at  https://ow.ly/gEVj50XFEeR

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Employment Opportunities with Aramark

For further information please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: BFBS Launches new AI Skills Programme in NI

 

Ready to upskill?

BFBS are launching their new AI Skills Programme designed for the military community.

Whether you're curious about AI or looking to boost your career prospects, this is for you. Self-paced modules, webinars and live workshops throughout 2026. Sign up now and join hundreds of others learning the skills that matter.

More details, can be found here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Irish Passport Paper Applications Are Changing

 

Paper applications are changing.
From 1 December 2025, the Irish Passport Service will no longer accept the green APS1/APS2 application forms.

From 1 December, if you wish to make a paper application you can contact the Passport Assist Service for assistance, or click here for more information.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Education Maintenance Allowance

 

Decided to stay on in school after compulsory school age, or go to FE college in NI?
You may be entitled to #EducationMaintenanceAllowance.

Applications for 2025/26 are open until 31 March 2026.
For more information and application forms, see: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/.../education-maintenance...
Department for the Economy NI

Information provided by HIVE NI