Cumbria unveils its first ever Community Flag at Carlisle Cathedral
University of Cumbria among partners behind county-wide competition for Cumbria's first ever Community Flag.
The flag was unveiled during a special Choral Evensong in Thanksgiving for Cumbria’s Communities at Carlisle Cathedral on Friday 5 September 2025. The historic occasion was attended by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott, the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Dr Geoff Jolliffe, alongside community leaders, competition entrants, and residents from across the county.
The winning design, created by Cumbrian artist Ben Walker, was formally presented to the Lord-Lieutenant during the service by the 1st Wetheral Brownies. It was then blessed by the Interim Dean of Carlisle, the Venerable Michael Everitt, and then hoisted above Carlisle Cathedral to mark its official debut.
Flag design
- The flag’s lower two-thirds feature an alternating gold–green–gold–green zig-zag pattern, symbolising Cumbria’s rugged landscapes, including the Lake District and the Pennines.
- Above, a gold ancient crown rests on a blue field, representing both Cumbria’s past as an independent kingdom and the prominence of Scafell Pike and the North Pennine uplands.
The design was selected through a two-stage process: first shortlisted by a panel of local judges, then put to a public vote in which thousands of people across Cumbria took part.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott, said:
“This flag is a gift from the people of Cumbria to themselves. It is a symbol of unity, belonging, and pride, created through the imagination and spirit of our communities. We flew it for the first time at Carlisle Cathedral, and it will now be flown for generations to come.”
The initiative began after a member of the public posed a simple but powerful question: “Why doesn’t Cumbria have a flag?” Supported by volunteers, community groups, the then High Sheriff Mr Christopher Holmes, the University of Cumbria, and the Lord-Lieutenant, the project quickly gained momentum.
While Cumbria is already home to proud historic flags such as those of Cumberland and Westmorland, this new Community Flag provides a unifying emblem that everyone can fly freely, from schools and sports clubs to local businesses and individuals.
The flag is now registered with the Flag Institute and is freely available for use across the county. Flags can also be purchased online from Flying Colours at: www.flyingcolours.org/cumbria-flag
Notes to editors
For the first time in history, Cumbria has its own Community Flag – a unifying emblem chosen by the people, for the people.
Images: Photographs of the new flag taken during the unveiling ceremony
Further reading: Flag Institute announcement
About the Cumbria Lieutenancy
In the UK, the Lieutenancy represents the Crown in each county (or metropolitan area), with the Lord-Lieutenant as the Sovereign's personal representative. Appointed by the monarch, the Lord-Lieutenant acts as a link between the Crown and the local community, fostering civic pride and recognising individual and institutional achievements. Their role is non-political and focuses on ceremonial duties, supporting local initiatives, and promoting community spirit.
Mr Alexander Scott is the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria and was appointed in April 2023.
What is Cumbria?
Cumbria is the third largest ceremonial county in England - bringing together the historic counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire - uniting communities across the Lakes, the fells and the coasts. Whilst the ceremonial county was formed in 1974, Cumbria can be traced back to the dark age kingdom that covered much of the region. Whether you were born here or choose to call it home, being Cumbrian is something to be proud of.
Why a Cumbria flag?
While many English counties already have community flags, Cumbria has long been without a modern, inclusive emblem. This new flag offers a shared symbol that anyone can fly with pride – from schools and sports clubs to local businesses and individuals. It celebrates Cumbria as a whole while honouring the distinct heritage of its historic counties.
Historic and community flags
Cumbria already enjoys proud historic flags, including those of Cumberland and Westmorland. These remain important symbols for many communities. The new Cumbria Community Flag does not replace them but instead complements them – a modern emblem that represents the whole county and can be flown proudly alongside the historic banners.
Unlike flags of authority (such as government or council standards, often featuring coats of arms and restricted in use), a community flag is free for all. It is a public emblem that celebrates shared identity, pride, and belonging.
A community-led initiative
This project began with a simple yet powerful question from a member of the public: “Why doesn’t Cumbria have a flag?” That question resonated widely and inspired action to fill a long-standing gap in the area’s identity. The initiative was championed by the then High Sheriff of Cumbria, Mr Christopher Holmes, with the support of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott. Both serve in voluntary roles.
Importantly, this flag initiative has been entirely driven by the people of Cumbria. Every element of the competition and development process has been supported by volunteers, community groups, and individuals passionate about celebrating Cumbria’s unique character.
This is truly a project by the people, for the people. Flying the Cumbria Community Flag will always be a voluntary choice, no one will be obliged or required to display it. Instead, it will stand as a symbol of pride, unity, and shared identity for anyone who chooses to embrace it.
Cumbria was one of the last remaining counties in England without a registered community flag. Its adoption now brings the county in line with others, marking an important and timely milestone.
Voting closed on Five Kings Day
Voting closed at 5pm on Five Kings Day - Sunday 13 July. This date marks the historic gathering of five Dark Age kings, including the King of Cumbria, outside Penrith in 927. This rare moment of unity and symbolism, making it a particularly meaningful time to close this community decision.
Any enquiries, please contact communityflag@cumbria.gov.uk