Flag hoisting to say ‘thank-you to seafarers on Merchant Navy Day

Thursday, September 3, will see Mid and East Antrim Council, Port of Larne and P&O Ferries hoist the famous Red Ensign to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.
The Red Ensign. (Editorial Image)The Red Ensign. (Editorial Image)
The Red Ensign. (Editorial Image)

As well as a public ceremony taking place at The Port of Larne on Merchant Navy Day, the Red Ensign will also be flown at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s four main council offices - The Braid, Ballymena; Ardeevin, Ballymena; Town Hall, Carrickfergus; and Smiley Buildings, Larne.

This is in support of a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the Red Ensign – the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag - to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.

The charity’s President, HRH The Earl of Wessex, has endorsed the campaign.

Mid & East Antrim Mayor, Councillor Billy Ashe, said that the special ceremony is taking place in the Port of Larne at 10am to mark the occasion and that everyone is very welcome to attend.