Norwich will come together on Monday 9 March 2026 to celebrate Commonwealth Day with a flag-raising ceremony outside City Hall. Members of the public and media are warmly invited to attend.
At 10am, the Commonwealth flag will be raised at the lower flagpole outside City Hall, nearest to The Forum, as the City Hall clock strikes. The short civic ceremony will be led by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Paul Kendrick, and will include the reading of the Commonwealth Affirmation and a moment of reflection.
Pupils from two local schools will take part, representing their school councils and Rights Respecting groups. Their involvement reflects the strong emphasis Commonwealth Day places on young people and the role they play in shaping a shared future.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated each year on the second Monday in March by communities across the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. The theme for 2026, Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming, highlights the importance of collaboration, creativity and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Following the ceremony, the children will return inside City Hall for refreshments and a question-and-answer session with the Lord Mayor and Sheriff. They will have the opportunity to learn more about the Commonwealth and about the civic roles that support local democracy in Norwich, including a visit to the Council Chamber.
The Commonwealth flag, which will fly over City Hall, features a golden globe surrounded by radiating spears forming the letter ‘C’, symbolising unity and cooperation across continents. The commemorative version being used in Norwich also includes a dove motif and was specially produced for cities across the UK.
Councillor Paul Kendrick, Lord Mayor of Norwich, said:
“It is a real honour to mark Commonwealth Day here in Norwich. This ceremony is a simple but powerful way of recognising the shared values that connect communities around the world – including respect, democracy and support for one another.
“I am especially pleased that young people from our local schools will be joining us. Their curiosity, energy and sense of fairness embody the spirit of the Commonwealth and remind us why these connections matter.”
The ceremony will take place at 10am on Monday 9 March 2026 at City Hall, Norwich. Residents, visitors and representatives from the media are welcome to attend.
For more information, visit www.norwich.gov.uk
