Voting open for a new county flag which 'best represents Cumbria'
The Lord-Lieutenant and the former High Sheriff of Cumbria, with support from Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, Carlisle Cathedral, the University of Cumbria, and the Flag Institute, launched a design competition earlier this year to create a community flag that represents Cumbria.
The competition was open from 12noon on Monday, March 24 until 12noon on Friday, April 25.
Nearly 200 'creative and heartfelt' designs were submitted by individuals, schools, and community groups from across the county, each reflecting what Cumbria means to the people who call it home.
A panel of judges, made up of representatives from the Lieutenancy, Carlisle Cathedral and community leaders have now reviewed all the entries and shortlisted six designs that will go forward to a public vote, opening today, Friday.
Although the timing of the competition coincides with the ongoing Cumbrian devolution movement which could see the county gain a mayor, the competition organisers sought to distance the vote from politics.
"The initiative is independent and solely intended to celebrate Cumbria's shared identity, heritage, and community spirit," they said.
The six shortlisted designs are as follows:
To cast your vote, visit this surveymonkey page.
Voting will close on Sunday, July 13 at 5pm, a date known as Five Kings Day, commemorating the historic gathering of five monarchs in Penrith in 1290, a moment of unity that reflects the spirit of the new flag.
The winning design will be revealed at a special unveiling ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral this autumn, where the new Cumbria Community Flag will be formally presented to the public. All those who submitted a design will be invited to attend the event.
The Cumbria Community Flag will stand alongside the historic county flags of Cumberland and Westmorland, offering a 'modern symbol of unity and identity' for the whole region. It will be free to use by anyone from schools and community groups to individuals and businesses.
To cast your vote, visit this surveymonkey page.
His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Alexander Scott said: 'This has been a remarkable response.
"It's clear how much pride people take in their communities, and the designs showed such creativity and care.
"We're excited to now hand over the final decision to the people of Cumbria.'
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