Nearly a year after England flags first appeared across Weoley Castle, they are still flying. The Dispatch returned to the area to find out why they remain, and what has happened to the group that put them up.
A Year of Controversy for Raise the Colours
The flags are largely credited to Raise the Colours, a Birmingham-founded group. Its co-founder, Ryan Bridge, has been arrested multiple times in the past year. In April, he was arrested 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 arrest on suspicion of wounding.
Another member, Billy Allison, was charged with murder and grievous bodily harm with intent after an incident at a bar in Lichfield. Bridge was arrested again at an anti-immigration protest in Brighton and later charged with common assault. Most recently, Ben Cullen, another member, appeared in court charged with making indecent images of children. The group was also banned from France at one point.
Community Embraces the Flags
Despite the controversies, the flags remain in significant numbers. At Castle Square, a ring of shops in Weoley, the display resembles a suburban version of Trooping the Colour. A resident named Andre, who lives on one of the flaggiest streets, praised the maintenance efforts. Many flags were replaced a few months ago after becoming tatty, and they were raised to full mast by mutual agreement. The street's WhatsApp group coordinated these efforts. Andre said he cannot remember who originally put the flags up, but he is happy they are still there.
The Dispatch first reported on the flags a year ago, when they were raised ahead of the World Cup. Since then, the story has evolved, but the flags remain a fixture of the area.
Ongoing Presence and Community Sentiment
The flags are not just a reminder of the past year's events but also a symbol of community sentiment. While the group behind them faces legal troubles, the residents have taken ownership, ensuring the flags remain in good condition. The Dispatch's investigation highlights the complex relationship between the flags, the group, and the community that lives with them.
As the train pulled into the station, the point was not to find who hung the flags, but to understand why they persist. The answer, it seems, lies in the community's embrace of the symbols, regardless of their origins.
