On Monday 9 March, the Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester, Cllr Michael Lilley and Alderman Lyn Barton, will raise the Commonwealth Flag during a ceremony at Colchester Town Hall. As Colchester marks Commonwealth Day 2026, this simple act connects our city to communities across 56 member nations, each reflecting on the values we share and the future we’re building together.
Celebrate the people who make Colchester what it is
Commonwealth Day is about people. In Colchester, residents with roots across the Commonwealth – families, students, key workers, volunteers and community leaders – enrich our city every day. This moment recognises those contributions and the ties that link Colchester to a global family.
Embrace this year’s theme
The 2026 theme, “Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth,” highlights how collaboration, skills and shared resilience can open up real, life‑changing opportunities – especially for young people and women. It’s a reminder that progress is something we build collectively, and that everyone has a role to play.
How you can be involved
Residents are warmly welcome to join the flag raising ceremony at 10am on Monday 9 March on the Town Hall steps, High Street, CO1 1PJ. Whether you come to show support, reflect, or simply be part of a moment shared across the globe, your presence matters.
As flags rise across cities, towns, islands and rural communities throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe, we stand together in unity and shared purpose. Here in Colchester, we add our voice to that chorus of connection, hope and opportunity.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Michael Lilley, said: “Commonwealth Day is a moment for us to pause and appreciate the people who make our city vibrant, diverse and connected. By raising the Commonwealth Flag, we stand alongside communities across the world in a shared commitment to opportunity, unity and hope. I’m proud that Colchester continues to play its part in this global family.”
For more about Commonwealth Day and this year’s theme, visit www.thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-day.