County Flags Day is a celebration of the nation’s historic counties through the flying of flags. The inaugural “County Flags Day” was Wednesday, 23rd July, 2014. This date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the creation of the flag of Devon in 2002, which started the momentum of the modern concept of a county flag.

An initiative of Brady Ells of the Association of British Counties the concept is endorsed by the Flag Institute and the Department for Communities & Local Government.

The aim of Historic County Flags Day is to have as many county flags flying across Great Britain as possible on one day, 23rd July, to mark the nation’s historic counties.

Upon its inception, Peter Boyce, Chairman of the Association of British Counties stated

“For centuries the historic counties of the UK have formed the familiar geographical background to our national life.  People’s affinity for their county goes deep. The historic county provides a living link to past generations who trod the same ground and nurtured the same loyalties as today’s Britons.”

Charles Ashburner, Chief Executive of the Flag Institute said

“In Great Britain, our most enduring tribal groupings are perhaps our traditional counties. Rich in history, yet inclusive of all of parts of society, these areas have survived modern administrative boundary changes and – due in no small part to the efforts of the Association of British Counties – are enjoying an impressive resurgence.

As county identities have flourished so the need for symbols combining both old and new has increased. Flags have been the ultimate symbols of identity throughout history, and they remain so today. Individuals of wildly differing age, sex, religion, or political creed can hold aloft the same flag – and suddenly they are part of the same tribe. As the UK’s national flag charity, the Flag Institute has worked hard to support those wanting to establish their own county flags. We are therefore delighted to endorse ‘Historic County Flags Day’.”

The historic counties speak to us of the wonderful diversity of the UK, each possessing its own distinctive history, landscapes, traditions, dialects and building styles. Their long unbroken histories have made them the natural basis for cultural, social and sporting organisations. This common inheritance is something which we should value and cherish. Displaying your county’s flag on 23rd July (and every other day too!) is a perfect way to do this. You are invited to participate in this celebration.

In 2019, following work by the Association of British Counties, Historic County Flags Day was celebrated

with a display of county flags at the seat of government, around Parliament Square

More on this can be read at County Flags at Westminster.