Commonwealth Day

Press release

Flags in Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough and Luton will be among 500 Commonwealth flags to be raised throughout the United Kingdom on Monday 14 March 2016, to mark Commonwealth Day.

For the first time ever, local authorities and civic dignitaries, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles are taking part in local flag-raising events and ceremonies of dedication to mark Commonwealth Day.

This new initiative enables people in their local communities to join with others nationwide in a widespread public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, appreciation of the values it stands for, and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world. A specially written Commonwealth Affirmation will be read out at each ceremony before the raising of the Commonwealth flag at 10am on Monday 10 March 2014, headed by either the Lord Lieutenant or other civic leaders.

"I am delighted that Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Borough Council have all given their full commitment to this important new initiative in support of Commonwealth Day,” said HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis.

“Our county, with its vibrant and diverse communities, is an excellent example of the benefits of peoples coming together under the umbrella of this important institution.”

"This will be the largest raising of the Commonwealth Flag in the history of the Commonwealth,” said Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster and originator of Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth. "The success of this year's event bodes well for 2015 and the future”, said Peek, “as we extend the invitation to participate and involve all 53 countries of the Commonwealth and UK overseas territories, to make this the largest-ever annual occasion involving local communities throughout the worldwide Commonwealth family”.

His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth said: “Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people in local communities – wherever they live, learn or work – to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family. I welcome and commend it.”

“All our citizens, particularly the young, can express appreciation for the Commonwealth and the values for which it stands as set out in the Commonwealth Charter, and the rich opportunities it offers for mutual support towards more inclusive social and more equitable economic progress.”

"We are exceptionally proud to support the 'Fly a Flag' for Commonwealth initiative and, to help raise awareness of the day, we have built an interactive map that shows where the individual flag raising events are taking place, throughout the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man," explained Dr Richard Waite, Managing Director of Esri UK.

"We strongly encourage all local authorities and others taking part to post the map on their website, so local citizens and the media can easily find details of their local event and become involved in what will be a most special day."

Those taking part will be receiving their Commonwealth Flags 1 month in advance of the event.