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

By Carla Lockhart MP April 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strength of community spirit across the constituency following a busy Saturday attending a range of local events and initiatives.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 14, 2026
DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has led a Parliamentary debate marking the first anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers, warning that a year on, the Government has failed to deliver the clarity and protections women were promised.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is co-ordinating a collaborative initiative which reflects shared demands from across the agriculture, haulage and construction industries, urgently calling for practical and meaningful solutions as the UK’s fuel crisis deepens.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 11, 2026
DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has issued a stark warning to the UK Government, urging immediate action to support key sectors as pressure continues to build across agriculture, construction and haulage.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 10, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has accused the Labour Government of betraying the UK’s agricultural industry and generations of farmers who work tirelessly to feed the nation.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 10, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has said that farmers must not be burdened with unjustified bureaucracy under the guise of sustainability, warning that current carbon auditing proposals risk undermining confidence across the NI agri-food sector.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the reopening of Oggies Dessert Bar in Banbridge following a significant refurbishment, praising the business as a key contributor to the local economy.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a significant increase in donations from Banbridge as part of this year’s Big Bucket Collection in support of Evora Hospice.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 3, 2026
DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has strongly condemned the latest incident in Lurgan, in which the so-called New IRA has admitted responsibility for a proxy bomb attack targeting a pizza delivery driver and the PSNI.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the European Commission’s decision to press ahead with the provisional application of the Mercosur trade agreement from 1st May 2026, despite the fact it remains subject to ongoing legal scrutiny.