MARCH 24, 2025 — Cumbria is inviting residents to design the county’s first official community flag, reports the BBC.
The competition, launched by the Lord-Lieutenant and the High Sheriff of Cumbria, aims to create a symbol that reflects the county’s rich history and shared identity.
Unlike some counties in England, Cumbria currently lacks a community flag that represents its residents as a whole. According to the competition website, while the county does have an official flag created in 1974, it is primarily flown at government buildings, including council offices. The new community flag, however, will be freely available for anyone wishing to express pride in their connection to Cumbria, according to the competition organizers.
“This is a great opportunity for us to come together and celebrate our shared identity,” Lord-Lieutenant Alexander Scott told the Cumbria Crack. “I encourage everyone to get involved in this initiative, which will help strengthen our sense of belonging and pride in our county.”
The competition is open to all individuals, schools, community groups, and organizations. A panel of judges will review the submissions and select a shortlist of designs, which will then be professionally redrawn to ensure consistency. The shortlisted designs will be put to a public vote in May 2025. The winning flag will be registered with the Flag Institute’s UK Flag Registry.
High Sheriff Chris Holmes highlighted the inspiration designers might draw from Cumbria’s heritage. “Cumbria as a region has existed in various forms for centuries,” he said. “This flag isn’t tied to any territorial definition and is free to use for anyone proud of Cumbria.”
Philip Tibbetts, a vexillologist with the Flag Institute who has previously worked with local communities in the area, emphasized the historical depth designers can explore.
“Given the ancient origins and unique history of the wider Cumbrian region, encompassing its time as a Welsh-speaking region and later incorporation into England, I’m excited by the potential inspiration that can be drawn on,” he said.
The competition, which is supported by Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, Carlisle Cathedral, the University of Cumbria, and the Flag Institute, opened on March 24, and closes at noon on April 25.
