As the day dedicated to celebrating Lincolnshire approaches, the county gears up to celebrate 20 years of its distinctive flag. This much-loved local symbol was first unveiled on 1 October 2005, featuring a striking design of red and yellow cross coupled with a fleur-de-lis, proudly positioned against a canvas of blue and green. The result of a joint effort by BBC Radio Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire Life magazine, the design was selected via a public vote.
The flag’s creator, Michelle Andrews, sought to embody Lincolnshire’s unique identity in the design. The blue denotes the expansive skies and the coast, while the green represents the county’s lush farmland, and the yellow fleur-de-lis pays tribute to Lincoln. The red cross is a nod to St George, and the yellow band commemorates the affectionate ‘Yellowbellies’ nickname for those born in the county.
Observing the flag’s increasing use, from public buildings to private homes, Caroline Bingham of Lincolnshire Life magazine emphasises its power in stoking county pride. The flag’s appearance at high-profile events like Glastonbury Festival and the Tour de France speaks to its increasing visibility and recognition.
Lincoln Cathedral will be bathed in the colours of the flag on Lincolnshire Day, in honour of the anniversary of this enduring symbol of county pride. This tale was adapted for The Lincoln Post from original reporting featured on www.bbc.com.
