CHIPPING Sodbury will celebrate the return of Commonwealth Day by gathering in the high street to ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth.’


The celebrations will take place on Monday, March 9, where a specially written Commonwealth affirmation will be read out before the raising of the Commonwealth Flag on the day, led by the Mayor, Councillor Wendy Whittle.  


The ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ event aims to see hundreds of Commonwealth flags to be flown in significant, strategic and eye-catching positions across the the United Kingdom and beyond.


Mayor Whittle said: “Commonwealth Day 2014  was immediately embraced as a valued new dimension to the celebration of the Commonwealth by the people of the Commonwealth themselves. 

"It has captured the imagination of people of all ages and has already proved its value as a means by which we can join together with others in our local communities, become involved and associate ourselves with more widespread public expression of appreciation for the Commonwealth, the opportunities it offers, and the values it stands for. We welcome and commend this imaginative initiation.


"We are hoping that people will come along for the short ceremony on Monday, March 9. 

"This will take place at the town flag pole outside the Spar Shop at 9.30am where I will read the Commonwealth affirmation, a message from HM Queen and a message from The Commonwealth secretary General Kamalesh Sharms.  


"The Commonwealth Flag will be left flying until 10am the following day when it will be lowered."


The annual celebration is recognised across the Commonwealth by young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations on the second Monday in March every year.


It provides an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organisations.

For more information visit www.flyaflagforthecommonwealth.co.uk.