A major evening parade and rally will take place in Portadown this Saturday, October 24, organised by Portadown District LOL 1, with Orangemen urging the “entire Orange family” and wider unionist community to turn out in numbers.
The district says the event is intended to demonstrate the “strength of feeling” locally following the recent decision to overturn a determination allowing its traditional Garvaghy Road parade to proceed.
In a statement, Portadown District LOL 1 said the issue was “about more than a parade”.
“For us, this is about the rule of law, the right to peaceful assembly, and the principle that lawful decisions must be upheld,” it said.
“Our community has every reason to be angry and deeply disappointed at the decision to overturn our lawful parade determination following the threat of Republican violence.
“We believe the actions of the Chief Constable and Secretary of State have undermined confidence in the rule of law and sent a deeply troubling message about whether lawful decisions will be respected when faced with threats and intimidation.”
The district pointed to the long‑running Garvaghy Road dispute, noting that after “28 years of being denied the right to complete our traditional parade”, a determination was “finally made in our favour”, and considered by both the Court of Appeal and the High Court, but that “opportunity was subsequently lost”.
“This Saturday night, we ask you to stand with Portadown District and make your voice heard peacefully and with dignity,” the statement added.
Parade arrangements:
Date: Saturday, October 24
Assembly point: Watson Street, Portadown
Assembly time: 7pm
Route: From Watson Street to Portadown town centre, where a short rally will be held, before the parade returns to Watson Street
Bands wishing to take part are asked to contact the Portadown District LOL 1 Facebook page.
The district is encouraging supporters “to come out in their colours” and “demonstrate the strength of feeling across our community”, concluding: “Here we stand — we can do no other.”
