A year after the flag frenzy first erupted in Weoley Castle, the flags are still flying, and the group claiming responsibility for most of them, Birmingham-founded Raise the Colours, has had a tumultuous 12 months. The Dispatch returned to the suburb to see what has changed since the story first broke.
The Flags Are Still Up
Walking from Selly Oak station towards the Weoley Castle pub, flags are visible everywhere. The display that began as a World Cup celebration has become a permanent fixture, despite the controversies surrounding the group behind it. Richard, a resident whose house features a large England flag hanging from a second-floor window, told The Dispatch: “I put it up for the World Cup.” He closed the door after a brief exchange, suggesting that for many, the flags are simply a matter of local pride.
The sheer number of flags remains striking, with many homes and businesses participating in the display. The Dispatch's visit confirmed that the phenomenon has not faded, even as national attention has moved on.
Raise the Colours: A Year of Legal Troubles
Raise the Colours, the group responsible for many of the flags, has faced a series of legal issues over the past year. Co-founder Ryan Bridge was arrested in April on suspicion of racially aggravated harassment during a flag-raising expedition. Later, a Raise the Colours van was linked to an incident where a pedestrian suffered a broken leg, leading to Bridge's second arrest on suspicion of wounding.
In a more serious development, group member Billy Allison was charged with murder and grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to an incident at a bar in Lichfield. Bridge was arrested again at an anti-immigration protest in Brighton and subsequently charged with common assault. Most recently, another member, Ben Cullen, appeared in court charged with making indecent images of children. The group was also banned from France at one point.
Community Impact and Ongoing Presence
Despite these incidents, the flags remain in Weoley Castle, and the community appears to have accepted them as part of the local landscape. The Dispatch's visit to Castle Square, a ring of small shops, revealed a scene reminiscent of a royal procession, with flags adorning the area. The display has become a talking point, but for many residents, it is simply a part of life in the suburb.
The continued presence of the flags suggests that, for now, the phenomenon is here to stay. The group's legal troubles have not deterred them, and the community shows no signs of removing the flags. As The Dispatch's investigation showed, the story is far from over, but the immediate future appears to be one of coexistence.
