A large parade and rally has taken place in Portadown in support of the Orange Order amid the Drumcree dispute.
Hundreds of Orangemen and over 25 bands took part as Storm Boelo swept in, and were watched by several thousand supporters.
Also in attendance were DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart - who stood down from her role as party officer this week - TUV leader Jim Allister, and Jamie Bryson, who has been acting as legal adviser to Portadown District LOL 1.
DUP MLAs Jonathan Buckley and Brian Kingston also paraded with their lodges.
The parade got under way at 7pm and travelled from Watson Street along Bridge Street, High Street, Market Street, Church Street, Mandeville Street and West Street.
A rally was held before the return leg, which included speeches from Portadown district master Nigel Dawson, deputy Alastair Power, and Ms Lockhart who said: “Walk tall, walk proud, keep the faith, and keep fighting for this wee province.
“It’s great to see people getting the beat of the drum back in their hearts.”
Ms Lockhart resigned as a DUP party officer last week in a deepening row with the leadership over the future of Stormont.
The move came amid a difference of opinion between Ms Lockhart and DUP leader Gavin Robinson on whether the party should withdraw deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the powersharing executive.
Ms Lockhart argued that the party should pull Ms Little-Pengelly from her post as it would automatically remove Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill from her position in the joint office they lead together.
Ms Lockhart finished her speech on Saturday by saying: “I’ll say one last thing, and I said I wouldn’t enter into politics, but profound consequences must mean profound consequences. Michelle O’Neill must go. That’s where I stand, and this lady is not for turning.”
Wet and windy weather failed to deter a large crowd of several thousand people from attending Saturday evening’s event.
The parade comes after the Orange Order was banned from walking down the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road in the County Armagh town.
Members of the Orange Order are seeking a judicial review after Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant made a decision on October 9 to halt the march from going along the Garvaghy Road.
Portadown Orange Order District Master Nigel Dawson said that Mr Bryant has failed the unionist community.
“To our Secretary of State, we say how disappointed we are in you, as a minister in our government, charged with upholding law and order, protecting our rights, delivering equality, treating everyone with respect,” he said.
“I’m afraid you too have failed our community, and you must reflect on your suitability to remain in office. Also, friends, the fight continues. Our cause is just. We reserve the right to go to the Supreme Court, and you know what? We might just do it.”
Portadown Orange Order District Master Nigel Dawson said that Chris Bryant has failed the unionist community.
“To our Secretary of State, we say how disappointed we are in you, as a minister in our government, charged with upholding law and order, protecting our rights, delivering equality, treating everyone with respect,” he said.
“I’m afraid you too have failed our community, and you must reflect on your suitability to remain in office. Also, friends, the fight continues. Our cause is just. We reserve the right to go to the Supreme Court, and you know what? We might just do it.
