Commonwealth Parade a celebration of positive role of uniformed organisations

Carla Lockhart MP • June 6, 2023

Local Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart joined with the crowds lining the streets of Portadown on Sunday at the Commonwealth Parade, with a wonderful display from local uniformed organisations and bands enjoyed by all in attendance.

The DUP Upper Bann representative said:

 

“Uniformed organisations are a wonderful asset within the community of Upper Bann. So many of our young people benefit from taking part, with an early grounding in citizenship, community participation, volunteering, alongside spiritual guidance. Often the range of activities help equip the young people for later life, and again these groups are led by volunteers who give of their time freely to help our young people.

 

The Commonwealth Parade in Portadown in a very enjoyable spectacle, with so many young people taking part. It is also a showcase for the talent we have within our local marching bands, who as always were in fine tune. Certainly the crowds lining the streets on such a beautiful afternoon enjoyed the parade and seeing all the participants take part. My thanks to the three local churches who held services as part of the parade too.

 

I would encourage anyone with children to explore the local groups in their area and send their kids along. We want to see our children flourish, whilst also seeing local uniformed organisations go from strength to strength.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP January 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has spoken of her bitter disappointment following confirmation that Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) will not be added to the routine newborn heel-prick screening programme, despite sustained campaigning and evidence that the condition can be treated if identified at birth.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 8, 2026
Confirmation that DAERA will absorb laboratory costs associated with the mandatory pre-movement testing of animals in the designated Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone, has been welcomed by Carla Lockhart MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has described the Labour government’s increased inheritance tax threshold on agricultural and business property relief as a hard-won and welcome concession, but says it remains insufficient.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 7, 2026
As we enter a new year, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reflected on the challenges of the past 12 months while setting out her priorities for 2026, reaffirming her commitment to serving constituents across the area. 
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a new local business venture after visiting Morning Buzz Coffee, praising the commitment and initiative behind a one-man operation serving the local community.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns about the safety of rural roads during the current spell of severe winter weather, following a recent bus incident at Esky and ongoing engagement with Roads Service officials on gritting arrangements, grit salt availability and the treatment of rural routes across the constituency.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns over significant delays facing women referred to breast clinics under the “red flag” pathway across Northern Ireland, with waiting times stretching far beyond the 14-day target designed to ensure rapid assessment where breast cancer is suspected.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 31, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has been a strong adversary for Northern Ireland agriculture over the last twelve months, and has pledged to continue championing the industry in 2026.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 30, 2025
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the Labour Government of ‘ stage-managing’ the Farm Profitability Review and deliberately silencing the most serious concern facing farmers – inheritance tax.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has welcomed the government’s decision to increase family farm tax thresholds, offering long overdue relief to a large number of farming families and rural communities.