Flags and banners are widely used across the UK. You can see them at trade events, in back gardens or flying from town halls all over the country. You most likely recognise the regional flags for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. But you can also see more custom designs in the wild – if you know where to look.
Some of the biggest music festivals in the UK host an unofficial showdown of who gets the funniest flag on TV for the headliners. So, why not join them?
Whether you’re promoting an event, supporting a cause or just having fun, it’s easy to design personalised flags and banners with Adobe Express. And it’s free too. So, get inspired with our flag banner ideas and tips below.
Iconic flags and banners in the UK.
The UK is brimming with its fair share of flags and banners – and has done throughout history. In fact, it is said that one of the oldest national flags was the 5th century red dragon, which you can still see on the Welsh flag today.
In other areas of the UK, the English red cross has been in use since as long ago as 1189, while Scotland’s flag dates back to 1542 with Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount’s Register of Scottish Arms.
During the 1600s, another flag was born – the Union flag, or Union Jack. This iconic flag combines the Scottish and English flags to create the classic red, white and blue layered cross design.
Today, the use of flags is more diverse, with more and more unique designs appearing across the country, and beyond. Here are some of the most recognisable examples:
- Progress Rainbow Flag – a colourful flag, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Yorkshire Flag – featuring the classic White Rose on a blue background.
- European Union Flag – a navy background with a circle of 12 gold stars.
- Chequered Flag – a monochrome classic that signals the finish line to racing drivers.
- First Aid Flag – often a deep green colour with a white cross, to show where your nearest first aid is.
- Royal Air Force Ensign – the official flag of the RAF.
