Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be flying the Hampshire flag on Wednesday 15th July to celebrate the county’s heritage and all it has to offer.
The red and golden yellow bi-coloured flag, which bears the Saxon Crown and Tudor Rose in reference to Hampshire’s ancient history, will be raised outside the Civic Offices to mark Hampshire Day. The flag’s colours go back to Saxon times when the banner of Wessex Kings depicted a golden yellow dragon. In 871, West Saxon ruler Alfred the Great was crowned King of Wessex and established Winchester as the capital of England. Golden yellow and red has also been associated with the county’s military regiments since the 18th century, and is still used by the county regiment, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.
Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Diane Taylor is leading the Hampshire Day commemorations, now in its second year, and invites local people to remember the importance of the borough and the county’s traditions, attractions and its diverse range of communities.
“Although we can’t get together as a community to celebrate Hampshire Day this year, I’m sure the borough’s residents won’t let the current coronavirus restrictions prevent them from remembering this very special, historic and vibrant part of England that they call home.
“As we fly the Hampshire Day flag, join me in toasting this beautiful county which has so much to offer residents and visitors.”
