BOLTON Council will join thousands of local authorities and community groups around the world to mark Commonwealth Day next month.

The flag of the Commonwealth — a yellow emblem of the world on a royal blue background — will fly high from the Town Hall to commemorate the event for the first time on Monday, March 10.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Colin Shaw, will join the leader of the council Cllr Cliff Morris on the steps of the Town Hall before the Commonwealth Affirmation is read out and the flag is raised at 10am.

Cllr Morris said the council was pleased to support Fly the Flag Day.

He said: “We hope that this simultaneous flag raising around the UK raises awareness of the Commonwealth and the values it stands for, such as tolerance and understanding of other faiths and cultures.”

Commonwealth flags are also set to be flown in each of the UK’s four capital cities as well as the furthest north, south, east and west
points of the country.

His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, said: “Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people — wherever they live, learn or work — to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family.

“I welcome and commend it.”