Bands Funding Evening A Big Success

Carla Lockhart MP • August 20, 2024

Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, extends her thanks to everyone who attended the successful Bands Funding Evening on Zoom. Over 30 bands participated, highlighting the importance of ongoing support for local bands.

Lockhart also expressed her gratitude to Matthew Warwick from the Ulster-Scots Community Network for his dedication and efforts in making the evening a success. "Thanks to the Ulster-Scots Community Network's Matthew Warwick for his time and efforts. Matthew and I have been doing this since 2016 as and when the funding has been opened and have had great success stories," she added.


Lockhart emphasised the cultural significance of bands in the community, stating, ‘Bands really do form such a big part of our culture, and it is important to support them. Thanks also has to go to DUP Community Minister Gordon Lyons MLA for re-establishing the fund. I look forward to future meetings across Upper Bann to continue supporting the growth and development of bands in the area.  The musical instruments funding remains open for bands to apply for. Given the successful applicants in the part I would strongly encourage local bands to apply.  For further details check of the Arts Council for  Northern Ireland’s website.



Share

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.

Lockhart Demands Action Not Excuses After Raising Serious Case With Justice Secretary

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has hit out at what she described as a wholly inadequate response from the Justice Secretary after she raised a deeply troubling case involving a migrant convicted of a serious sexual offence.

Lockhart MP hosts SEFF Memorial Quilts Exhibition at Westminster

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart hosted and sponsored an exhibition of SEFF’s Memorial Quilts at the Palace of Westminster, ensuring that the voices of innocent victims of terrorism from Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland were placed at the heart of Parliament.

DAERA must deliver ‘goodwill’ to farms impacted by bluetongue restrictions

By Carla Lockhart • December 12, 2025
As we enter the festive season, DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging DAERA to deliver much-needed ‘goodwill’ to the herd and flock owners who are marooned as a result of the two Bluetongue control zones in County Down.