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

Lockhart commends community spirit at Killicomaine Fun Day and bonfire celebrations

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the outstanding community spirit on display during a visit to the Killicomaine Fun Day, commending local volunteers and bonfire builders for their dedication in bringing the community together ahead of the Twelfth celebrations.

Lockhart welcomes confirmation of Mill Hill speed ramp replacement

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure that a missing speed ramp on Mill Hill, Waringstown, will be reinstated following representations she made on behalf of concerned local residents.

Lockhart congratulates Waringstown Neighbourhood Watch on 20 years of community service

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Waringstown Neighbourhood Watch as the organisation marked its 20th anniversary, praising its volunteers for two decades of dedication to keeping the village safe. 

Lockhart praises community spirit at South Lurgan Eleventh celebrations

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the organisers of a successful Eleventh of July Fun Day and Tea Dance in Lurgan, commending the outstanding community spirit on display ahead of the annual Twelfth celebrations.

Lockhart celebrates strong community spirit as thousands marked the Glorious Twelfth

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the tremendous turnout and community spirit displayed across Northern Ireland as thousands gathered to mark the Glorious Twelfth.

MP welcomes capital grant scheme for farming sector

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 9, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed the launch of DAERA's Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme, describing it as essential and meaningful support Northern Ireland's farming industry.

Lockhart challenges Government over illegal immigration and Northern Ireland’s exposed border

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has challenged the Government over what she described as its failure to protect Northern Ireland from illegal immigration, warning that the Province remains exposed because of weaknesses in UK border policy.

Carla Lockhart MP reaffirms support for Portadown brethren following Drumcree parade and church service

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 5, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her unwavering support for the brethren of Portadown District LOL No. 1 after attending today’s Drumcree parade and church service, describing it as another significant chapter in their long-standing campaign to return home along their traditional route.

MP welcomes TB wildlife consultation but says farmers are anxious about mandatory blood test

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 3, 2026
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed DAERA's long-awaited consultation on wildlife intervention, describing it as a vital step towards delivering the comprehensive bovine TB eradication strategy that Northern Ireland's farming community has been demanding for decades.

Carla Lockhart MP celebrates local centenarian Jim Copeland on his 100th birthday

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to local centenarian Jim Copeland as he celebrated his 100th birthday, describing him as “one of life’s true gentlemen” and thanking him for his lifetime of Christian faith, service and quiet inspiration.