Flying the flag for Commonwealth Day

At 10am on Monday 10 March 2014, Stratford-on-Avon District Council will take part in an historic flag raising event, to mark Commonwealth Day.

500 Commonwealth flags will be raised throughout the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man on the day and this will be the first time that local authorities across the country will be marking the day with local flag-raising ceremonies.

This new, unique event enables local communities to join with others nationwide in a widespread public expression of their commitment to the Commonwealth, the values it stands for and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.

Teams will also fly Commonwealth flags to the top of the UK's four highest national peaks - Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis, MountSnowdon and Slieve Donard.  Abroad, flags will be raised at the Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula, at the Halley VI Research Station on the Brunt Ice Shelf, as well as King Edward Point and Bird Island in South Georgia.

A specially written Commonwealth Affirmation will be read out at each ceremony with a message from the Queen.

The District Council Chairman, Cllr Chris Mills has invited local Town Council Mayors from Stratford-upon-Avon, Alcester, Shipston and Southam, the High Bailiffs from Alcester and Henley-in-Arden and representatives from his charities* to mark this prestigious occasion.

An interactive map showing the location of flag raising ceremonies across the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man can be viewed at www.esriuk.com/flyaflagmap.

* The Chairman's charities are: The Stroke Association, The Alzheimer's Society and Riding for the Disabled.