News / KNowle West
Flags return to ‘England’s most patriotic street’
Flags on a road in south Bristol that has been called England’s most patriotic street are a familiar sight when international football tournaments take place.
But there was doubt whether they would be allowed to be flown during this World Cup after the leader of Bristol City Council released a statement requesting people to only put up flags “in your own home”.
“What people cannot do is fly flags on lampposts or railings or any public property,” said Tony Dyer, adding that Bristol must remain “welcoming, respectful and safe for everyone during the tournament”.
Following England’s first game at the World Cup, residents of Torrington Road in Knowle West have now erected flags across the length of the road with the St George’s crosses stretching over the street from one house to another.
Look closely and there is also one Union Jack – perhaps as a nod to Scotland’s participation in the tournament.
It comes after a few national and local news outlets had covered the news that during this World Cup, no flags were being flown along Torrington Road:
After Bristol24/7 published the video of Torrington Avenue on Saturday afternoon, a few online commentators claimed it was AI but we can confirm the footage is 100 per cent real.
Many people celebrated the renewed display of patriotism.
“Just love seeing this beautiful site,” wrote Samantha Johnson on Instagram. “A great community coming together.”
Aimee added: “For the World Cup, it’s all good. When it’s done to scare and threaten people, it’s another thing.
“There’s nuance and context. Supporting the football team and being a flag shagger are two different things.”
But writing on X, former Bristol mayor George Ferguson called the scene “chilling”.
Ferguson said: “It’s not true patriotism but a deliberate intimidation of minorities. Our national flag has, under the guise of supporting England, been captured by those seeking to spread fear.”
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
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