Raising the Red Ensign 2025

The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque, will raise The Red Ensign flag at City Hall that morning, before welcoming guests to the Council Chambers for a celebration to mark the day.

Sunderland City Council was one of many local authorities across the country invited to raise the flag in support of Merchant Navy Day, and this will be the tenth consecutive year the Red Ensign will be raised in the city to mark the occasion.   

Merchant Navy Day was first held in 2000, with the 'Fly the Red Ensign' campaign launched in 2015 to remind people of its national significance and encourage their support.  

The Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Haque, said: "Sunderland has a proud seafaring heritage and I am honoured to represent the people of this city on Merchant Navy Day by raising the famous Red Ensign. This year marks the tenth year we have celebrated this important occasion, paying tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve.

"The people of Sunderland recognise the invaluable contribution made by the Merchant Navy to all our lives, with many from our city having proudly served in the merchant marine."

The Mayor will welcome guests in the Council Chamber before the formal proceedings begin. Mayor Haque will invite the Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, Commander Edward McNaught to deliver a message from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. He will be joined by Councillor Harry Trueman, who will speak on behalf of the city's Armed Forces Champion, and Sunderland City Council.

The Mayor's Chaplain, Canon Clare MacLaren, Provost of Sunderland Minster, will lead a short prayer and a minute's silence will also be held to reflect and remember those merchant seamen and seawomen who have lost their lives. 

If any members of the public wish to attend the ceremony, please contact mayor@sunderland.gov.uk by no later than Monday 25 August 2025.