Raising the Commonwealth Flag

Commonwealth Day 2021 is celebrated in the Commonwealth's 54 member countries, and this year's theme is 'Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming'.

Guests did not attend the Civic Centre for a flag-raising ceremony this year due to the ongoing social distancing measures. Instead the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon, has raised the Commonwealth Flag and recorded a personal message to be shared online. He has also recorded a video reading out the Commonwealth Affirmation, with the Mayoress, Councillor Dianne Snowdon reciting the response.

In addition, the Lord-Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear Mrs Susan Winfield will be sharing a special Commonwealth Day message. This can all be viewed on the Council's social media sites from approximately 10am today (Monday 8 March).

The flag, which was raised in the civic courtyard at the rear of Sunderland civic centre outside the Council Chamber, will fly for the full day. It is one of more than 900 flags being raised across the Commonwealth.

On the evening of Monday 8 March city landmarks and buildings will be lit up in Blue and Yellow.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr David Snowdon, said: "We can all be proud that Sunderland is part of the collective expression of commitment to the Commonwealth going on in countries all across the world today.

"The Commonwealth is a family built around shared values and history and the theme for this year is all about striving for connection, transformation and innovation, and a renewed vision for a world that delivers a common future and serves a common good.

"Raising the Commonwealth flag at the civic centre today is a shared act in all member countries, re-affirming our belief in the Commonwealth as a powerful influence for good in the world. COVID-19 has challenged all Commonwealth countries, but we remain hopeful that we will emerge stronger."

Find the Commonwealth Day videos on Sunderland City Council's social media channels. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqIknfzI3pI

Or https://www.facebook.com/SunderlandUKOfficial, @SunderlandUK on Twitter and @SunderlandUKOfficial on Instagram.