Flag Flying and Lighting Protocol
Contents
Flag flying protocol
Purpose
In Southampton, we have a rich and proud tradition of strong community cohesion, where our different communities work together with mutual respect.
Southampton City Council recognises the importance of flying flags as a means of marking important events, honouring people and strengthening local and national identity and community cohesion.
This protocol aims to identify those pre-arranged occasions, known in advance, on which specific flags will be flown. The protocol also seeks to clarify the process for dealing with any ad hoc requests for flags to be flown.
The practical arrangements and responsibilities for funding and arranging the flying of flags (and any accompanying events) are also covered in general terms.
Pre-arranged dates for flag flying
Like all symbols, flags are open to wide-ranging interpretation and therefore also have the potential to cause controversy and create tension between community groups whose opinions may differ.
Southampton City Council will fly flags on the following occasions:
| Flag | Date | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Flag | Second Monday in March |
This flag is flown to show support for the values set out in the Commonwealth Charter and as a symbol of the ties and affinity with the worldwide Commonwealth community. |
| Pride Flag |
17 May or nearest working day |
This flag is flown to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, commemorating the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation took the decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. |
| Armed Forces Flag |
June (day prior to Armed Forces Day) |
This flag is flown to mark both Armed Forces Day and National Reservists Day to show their support for the serving and ex-serving forces and reservists. |
| Hampshire Day | 15 July |
This flag is flown to mark Hampshire Day and encouraged by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire |
| Merchant Navy Flag |
3 September or closest working day |
This flag (also known as the Red Ensign or Red Duster) is flown to commemorate the sinking in 1939 of the first merchant ship in the Second World War, SS Athenia. |
| International Women's Day | 8 March or closest working day |
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. |
| Hate Crime Awareness Week Flag | 14-18 October | Working together to tackle local hate crime |
| White Ribbon Day | 25 November |
Violence against women and girls. |
| Vaisakhi | 13/14 April |
Celebration of Sikhism being born as a collective faith. |
| Black History Month | 1 October |
Opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture |
| Windrush Day | 22 June |
Windrush Day is a commemoration in the United Kingdom held on 22 June to honour the contributions of migrants to the post-war conomy. |
Further events which mark important events, honouring people and strengthening local and national identity and community cohesion can be added into this annual list at the discretion of The Leader, in consultation with the Chief Executive where appropriate.
The council will, as a minimum, fly the Union Flag on the occasions contained within the Government's guidance - 'Designated days for Union Flag flying'. However, the council may also choose to fly this flag on other days and accompany this with other flags such as the Flag of St. George (the national flag of England) and the County Council's Flag.
The council will fly the Love Don't Hate flag daily.
The United Nations flag will be flown on days when the third flagpole is not in use in recognition of its role to maintain international peace and security and develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of people.
The national flags of foreign nations will not be flown.
Flags flying on a daily basis
The Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government (MCHLG) has underlined that councils have discretion to fly whichever flags, and at whatever frequency, councils deem appropriate.
The choice of which flags are flown on a daily basis is at the discretion of the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive.
Ad hoc occasions
At the discretion of the Leader and the Chief Executive, the council may also choose to fly flags (at full mast or half-mast) to mark ad hoc events.
In line with Government guidance, the council will fly the Union Flag at half-mast on the following occasions:
-
From the announcement of the Death up to the Funeral of the Sovereign except on Proclamation Day on which they are hoisted full mast from 11am until sunset.
-
In response to any Special Commands by the Sovereign. For example, the funerals of members of the Royal Family or Foreign Rulers and other occasions.
If any other flags are flying alongside the Union Flag at half-mast then they must also be lowered to at least half-mast (ensuring that no flag is raised above it).
Other requests for flags to be flown
The council occasionally receives requests to fly the flags of other local and national organisations, charities and community groups. The council will consider requests which mark important events, honouring people and strengthening local and national identity and community cohesion. Where a request is agreed, the requesting organisation will be required top provide the flag, if it is not one already owned by the council.
Requests to fly national flags of other nations will not be met although the council will continue to offer support to such groups where appropriate.
General principles
In arranging the flying of flags, officers will give due consideration to relevant Government guidance and the 'Flying Flags in the United Kingdom -A Guide to Britain's Flag Protocol' issued by the Flag Institute and the Flags and Heraldry Committee.
Lighting protocol
Lighting up the civic building
There is currently no opportunity to request lighting up of the Civic Centre building due to resources, This will be reviewed at a later date and if there is capacity the procedure and guidance will be updated.
Requests to light up the 02 Guildhall building must be made to the Facilities Management Facilities Management at least 30 days in advance of the requested date for illumination. The venue reserves the right to grant or refuse any such requests at its full discretion.
