Portadown District LOL 1 has announced a parade and rally in Portadown town centre this Saturday, October 24. The event follows the decision by Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant to ban the traditional Drumcree parade along Garvaghy Road.

The parade will assemble at Watson Street at 7pm, proceed to the town centre where a short rally will be held, and then return to Watson Street. The district has encouraged supporters to attend and demonstrate strength of feeling.

In a statement, the district said the issue was about more than a parade, citing the rule of law, the right to peaceful assembly, and the principle that lawful decisions must be upheld. They expressed anger at the decision to overturn the parade determination, which they said followed threats of violence.

The Parades Commission had initially allowed the parade, but Chief Constable Jon Boutcher advised that police could not safely escort it due to large crowds on Garvaghy Road. Sir Chris Bryant then used his powers to ban the route, a decision now being challenged in the High Court by a member of Portadown Orange lodge.

A two-day legal challenge concluded this week, with Mr Justice Scoffield saying he will rule next week. Barristers for the Secretary of State argued that the minister acted in the public interest to prevent an escalating stand-off and that the parade could not be given effect based on police advice.

The policing operation has cost an estimated £5.5 million, including £1.25 million for mutual aid from other UK forces. Justice Minister Naomi Long said the PSNI cannot meet these costs within its existing budget and has asked the Northern Ireland Office to cover them.

Ms Long also noted that the operation has drawn police resources away from other activities and warned that costs will extend to the courts, legal aid, and potentially the prison system. She declined to condemn specific protest activity, saying she would not prejudge cases under investigation.

The Orange Order has described the Drumcree dispute as lasting 28 years. This Saturday's parade is intended to allow the wider unionist community to show its position on the matter.