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

Government remains tone deaf on veterinary medicine concerns

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
The DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the government of “dragging its heels” and being “tone deaf” to the concerns of vets and the wider agri-food industry around the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland in the New Year.

MP expresses concern as BTV-3 crisis deepens

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has expressed deep concern following confirmation from DAERA that an additional 44 suspected cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) have been uncovered during tests on a County Down farm.

Carla Lockhart MP welcomes major progress for bereaved parents as Baby Loss Certificate Scheme moves forward

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the progress made this week at Stormont on the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates, bringing long-awaited recognition and comfort to families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks.

Carla Lockhart MP Praises Outstanding Community Generosity During Tesco Food Collection

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended local residents for their “unreal generosity” following visits to Tesco Banbridge and Tesco Craigavon for the Big Food Collection supporting Via Wings and the local Craigavon Food Bank.

MP urges vigilance as Bluetongue disease is confirmed in NI cattle

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 1, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging farmers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant, following confirmation that Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been detected in two cows originating from a herd in Bangor, County Down.

Budget Betrayal

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 28, 2025
Lockhart protests in solidarity as Chancellor “betrays farmers”

Families of the Mull of Kintyre Chinook Disaster Deserve Transparency and Justice After 31 Years of Silence

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has again demanded truth and accountability for the families of the 29 people who died in the 1994 Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre, delivering a powerful contribution in Parliament this week during a Westminster Hall debate secured by Alex Easton MP.

A Budget of Headlines, Not Help – Northern Ireland Has Been Left Behind

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that this week’s Budget “offers presentation rather than substance” and fails to deliver meaningful support for workers, employers, farmers, policing or public services in Northern Ireland.

Carla Lockhart MP Challenges Government Over Costly COP30 Travel and Unachievable Net Zero Policies

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the Government’s approach to net zero, highlighting what she describes as hypocrisy and eye-watering costs linked to ministerial travel to international climate conferences. 

Carla Lockhart MP Urges Government to Halt New Puberty Blocker Trial

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Government to immediately halt plans for a new £10 million clinical trial that would see children, potentially as young as eleven, once again prescribed puberty blockers. The MP has voiced strong concerns about the ethics, safety and necessity of the trial, and has joined colleagues in signing a letter led by Rupert Lowe MP urging ministers to stop it.