Big Band Breakfast a great success

Carla Lockhart MP • September 12, 2023

DUP MP Carla Lockhart joined bandsmen and women from Lurgan and the wider community at a special ‘Big Band Breakfast’ at Lurgan Free Presbyterian Church on Saturday. The Church organised the event to strengthen connections with those in the marching bands community in the local area.

Speaking after attending, Carla Lockhart said:

 

“This was a wonderful initiative by the leadership of Lurgan Free Presbyterian Church, and I want to commend the Minister here Rev Thomas Murray and the elders for their desire to make connections with the band community here in Lurgan.

 

Our marching bands are a great asset within the area, and are a fantastic way for people of all ages to enjoy learning music, celebrating their heritage and make new friends. Thousands of people are involved, and it was wonderful to see a good number of bandsmen and women attending the ‘Big Band Breakfast’ this morning.

 

The food as always here at Lurgan Free Presbyterian was first class and I know the ladies and gentlemen in the kitchen worked hard to ensure everyone was well fed, and for that we are grateful.

 

My hope is that these connections made today will continue in the future. Churches can be disconnected from the community and I think this is a good idea by the church here to reach out.

 

Thank you to all involved in hosting an excellent event.”

Share

NI’s farming community deserves protection from rural crime

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 29, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has called on the PSNI and Stormont departments to do more to protect farmers and rural communities from escalating levels of crime across Northern Ireland.

MP urges government to support UK bakery sector

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 28, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed concern at mounting pressures facing the UK bakery sector - a vital cornerstone of our food manufacturing industry and a key employer across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Lockhart welcomes U-turn on firearms fees

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the Justice Minister’s decision to withdraw the consultation and go back to the drawing board on controversial proposed increases to firearms licensing fees, and changes to the banded system in Northern Ireland.

MP encouraging local producers to enter BBC Food and Farming Awards

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed confirmation that the 2026 BBC Food and Farming Awards will be held in Northern Ireland for the first time.

Lockhart disappointed at court ruling on farmer-led ‘death tax’ challenge

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said she is extremely disappointed that the London High Court has dismissed a farmer-led legal challenge against the Labour Government’s ‘death tax’ reforms.

Lockhart Continues Campaign to End Child Disability Waiting Period Following Commons Intervention

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has continued her long-running campaign to end the three-month waiting period for Child Disability Living Allowance payments for children diagnosed with life-changing illnesses, following a recent intervention in the House of Commons.

Lockhart Raises Alarm Over Disturbing Online Content Reaching Children Through Digital Games

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 21, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns in the House of Commons regarding the growing number of reports from parents about children being exposed to disturbing and inappropriate content while using digital games and online platforms.

Lockhart Meets Southern Trust Leadership to “Lift the Lid” on Growing Domiciliary Care Pressures

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said urgent action is needed to address mounting pressures facing domiciliary care services after meeting with Southern Trust leadership alongside DUP colleagues Diane Dodds MLA, Diane Forsythe MLA and Gareth Wilson MLA, as well as Pauline Shepherd, Chief Executive of Independent Health and Care Providers (IHCP), to discuss the challenges facing the sector. 

Lockhart Raises Serious Concerns Over Condition of Lurgan and Kernan Cemeteries

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns regarding the condition of both Lurgan and Kernan Cemeteries following a growing number of complaints from residents and families.

Lockhart Reaffirms Opposition to Digital ID “Voluntary Does Not Cut It”

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her opposition to Digital ID, warning that proposals being advanced by Government raise serious concerns around privacy, personal freedom and individual choice.