Local Community Celebrations Mark St Patrick’s Day in Portadown

Carla Lockhart MP • March 19, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the fantastic community spirit on display at a series of events in Portadown to mark St Patrick’s Day. 

Carla Lockhart said: 


“It was brilliant to be out and about at the weekend, joining with so many in our local community to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and to honour our veterans. From a fantastic breakfast to powerful exhibition and a wonderful parade, today was a real showcase of community pride and remembrance.” 


The day started at Carleton Street Orange Hall and Heritage Centre, where Portadown Heritage Tours hosted their Big St Patrick’s Breakfast. A packed hall enjoyed a warm welcome and a delicious breakfast, with Carla Lockhart thanking the organisers for their hard work in bringing people together. 


Following this, Carla Lockhart visited the Operation Banner Exhibition in Carleton Street Orange Hall. The exhibition, which runs until 22nd March, is a powerful tribute to those who served during Operation Banner and a stand against the rewriting of history. She encouraged local people to visit and reflect on the stories and sacrifices on display. 


The morning continued with the Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by Portadown Branch of the Royal British Legion. A proud display of service personnel, veterans, cadets, and RBL bikers, the parade was led by the superb St Mark’s Silver Band. The occasion was marked with a traditional sprig of shamrock and a salute in the town centre, with Carla Lockhart commending the organisers for delivering a respectful and fitting tribute. 


“These events highlight the rich history, traditions, and dedication of our local community. It was an honour to attend and support them.” 


The Operation Banner Exhibition remains open at Carleton Street Orange Hall at the following times: 


Monday 17th March – Friday 21st March: 10 AM – 1 PM & 7 PM – 8 PM 

Saturday 22nd March: 10 AM – 1 PM

Share

MP vows to continue championing NI agri-food industry in 2026

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.

Management of Farm Profitability Review unacceptable

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.

Welcome News as Government Shifts on Family Farm 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.

MP warns Mercosur deal could threaten NI’s agri-food sector

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 18, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has issued renewed warnings about the EU’s Mercosur trade agreement, describing it as a potential serious threat to Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Anti farming government must STOP immoral and unjust tax grab

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 18, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart continues to condemn the Labour Government, describing its controversial Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) reforms as immoral, unjust and fundamentally wrong.

Lockhart challenges Government on Windsor Framework in final Commons intervention of 2025

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has used her final speaking opportunity in Parliament in 2025 to challenge the Government over the continued damage being caused to Northern Ireland by the Windsor Framework.

Lockhart supports community initiatives across Upper Bann in busy pre-Christmas weekend

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has spent a busy Saturday engaging with community groups, churches and residents across Upper Bann as local organisations step up to support families in the lead-up to Christmas.

Lockhart Welcomes Completion of New Footpath in Oak Grange

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the completion of a new footpath in Oak Grange, Waringstown, describing it as a positive and long awaited improvement for local residents.

Lockhart Congratulates Harold Henning on Election as Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Harold Henning following his election as the new Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, describing the appointment as a significant moment for the Institution and a fitting recognition of long standing commitment and service.

Royal Mail Delays Causing Serious Concern Across Upper Bann and Northern Ireland

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns with Royal Mail following a growing number of reports of delayed and unreliable postal services across Upper Bann and wider Northern Ireland.