Portsmouth to raise a flag to mark Commonwealth celebrations

The Commonwealth flag will be raised in Guildhall Square on Monday, March 13.

The event will be attended by representatives from Commonwealth countries, civic VIPs, councillors and invited guests.

Proceedings will start with a reading of the Commonwealth Affirmation and the raising of the flag at 10am by the leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Donna Jones, and city Lord Mayor Cllr David Fuller.

Following the flag raising, the Lord Mayor will give a short speech.

There will then be a reading by local resident Marie Costa, representing Nigeria, on her experiences of the Commonwealth.

The flag will be one of more than 730 raised throughout the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, UK overseas territories and Commonwealth countries.

The event starts 9.55am and is expected to last about 15 minutes, at the flagpoles in front of the Civic Offices, Guildhall Square.

All members of the public are invited to attend.