Cumbria has proudly revealed its first ever Community Flag, following a county-wide competition and public vote that captured the imagination of people across the county.
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.