THE MAYOR of Sunderland Councillor Barry Curran will raise the flag on Commonwealth Day 2016 (Monday 14 March)
On the day more than 850 Commonwealth Flags will be raised in locations throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories, and Commonwealth countries.
This unique initiative, now in its third year, is again catching the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life, inspiring them to join with others throughout the Commonwealth.
Cllr Curran said: “Sunderland has a well-deserved reputation for welcoming people from other countries. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the Commonwealth and the values it stands for. ”
This year’s theme is an ‘inclusive Commonwealth’ promoting tolerance, respect and understanding, as well as equity and fairness. I think we would all agree about the importance of these principles in today’s society.
“Everyone is welcome to come along and join me in raising the flag on this special day.”
Sunderland’s event begins at 9.50 am with a representative from the Office of the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear reading out a personal message from His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. This will be followed by the Mayor reading out the Commonwealth Affirmation and raising the flag.
Commonwealth Flags will also be flown at many locations of special significance including Land’s End, Cornwall, the most westerly point in England, St. David’s in Pembrokeshire, the westernmost city in Wales, Carlisle the northernmost city in England, Lowestoft in Suffolk, the easternmost town in England, and Unst in the Shetland Islands, the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland.
Flags will also be raised at the Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula, and at the Halley VI Research Station on the Brunt Ice Shelf, as well as King Edward Point and Bird Island in South Georgia.
The ceremony will take place outside the Council Chamber and all members of the public are welcome. Tea, Coffee and Biscuits will be served from 9.40am and the flag will be raised at 10am prompt. Anyone who is interested in attending is asked to contact the Mayor’s Office on telephone number 0191 561 1330 or emailmayor@sunderland.gov.uk no later than noon Friday 11 March 2016 to confirm their attendance.