People are invited to submit their designs for a new Cumbrian community flag.
The Lord-Lieutenant and the High Sheriff of Cumbria, with support from Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils, Carlisle Cathedral, the University of Cumbria, and the Flag Institute, are launching the competition to create a community flag that represents the county with honour.
The competition is open from noon today until noon on Friday April 25.
Why create a community flag for Cumbria?
Unlike many counties in England, Cumbria does not currently have an official community flag representing the county as a whole.
While there is an existing flag of authority, created in 1974 when the ceremonial county was formed, it is primarily flown from official buildings such as council offices.
A community flag, however, would be a freely available symbol that any individual or group could use to express their connection to Cumbria, say the competition organisers.
How to enter
Take a look at the community flag competition pack on the Lord-Lieutenant’s website Cumbria Community Flag | Cumbria Lord-Lieutenant and below to make sure your design follows the competition’s terms and conditions and the Flag Institute’s design guidelines.
You can then either enter the community flag competition online or complete the entry form that can be found in the competition pack. Send your design to the address below:
A Community Flag for Cumbria
University of Cumbria
Brampton Road
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA3 9AY
What happens next?
A panel of judges will select a shortlist of designs, which will then go to an online public vote opening in May 2025.
All shortlisted designs will be professionally redrawn to ensure a consistent look. The winning flag will be proudly registered with the Flag Institute’s UK Flag Registry.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott, said: “Cumbria is a county with a rich and diverse history, and a community flag will provide an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate our shared identity.
“I encourage everyone to get involved in this great initiative, which will help strengthen our sense of belonging and pride in our county.”
The High Sheriff of Cumbria Chris Holmes said: “Cumbria as a region has existed in various forms for centuries and predates its latest definition, the administrative entity most of us will be most familiar with, which came into being 50 years ago.
“This flag is not tied to any territorial definition and is free to use for anyone proud of Cumbria.
“The rich heritage of the county does provide plenty of inspiration for designing a flag.”
