At a Glance
Glasgow 2026 highlighted Britain’s renewed use of flags and bunting to celebrate major events, support national and local identity, and bring colour to public spaces. Their return to high streets also offers businesses practical opportunities for event branding. Choosing durable, reusable displays can help businesses get value beyond a single occasion. Design yours with House of Flags today.
Why Flags and Bunting Are Popular at UK Events
Major sporting events often leave a lasting impression on the places that host them, and Glasgow 2026 was no different. As the city welcomed athletes, visitors and spectators, flags, banners and bunting helped transform public spaces and create a clear sense of occasion.
What’s interesting is that this visual impact didn’t stop at the sporting venues. Flags and bunting appeared across streets, businesses, community spaces and event areas, showing how simple decorations can help bring people together and make a place feel more welcoming.
Glasgow 2026 also highlights a wider trend across Britain: flags and bunting are becoming increasingly popular for marking sporting events, national celebrations, local festivals, and community occasions. They offer a simple but effective way to add colour, create atmosphere and show support.
In this blog, we’ll explain why flags and bunting are popular at UK events and what Glasgow 2026 tells us about these traditional decorations making a strong return.
What Happened in Glasgow This Summer?
Glasgow hosted the 2026 Commonwealth Games from 23 July to 2 August, bringing around 2,700 athletes from 74 nations and territories to the city. The Games featured 10 sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, cycling, gymnastics, boxing and netball.
The event also created a strong sense of celebration beyond the competition itself. Thousands of spectators attended the events, while fan zones and public spaces helped bring the Games into the wider city.
The closing ceremony on 2 August marked the end of 10 days of sport, with Australia topping the medal table and Glasgow handing over to Ahmedabad, host of the 2030 Games.
For Glasgow, the Games showed how major UK events use flags and bunting to transform a city's look and atmosphere.
Why National Pride Displays Are Making a Comeback
National pride displays are becoming more visible across the country, with flags increasingly used to mark sporting events, celebrations and civic occasions. The government describes flags as symbols that can express joy, pride and local identity, while its guidance encourages organisations to fly the Union Flag throughout the year.
The trend has also been noticeable around major sporting occasions, including Glasgow 2026, where national and Commonwealth identities were part of the wider event atmosphere.
However, the return of flags is not entirely straightforward. Recent displays of St George’s Cross and Union Flags have sometimes become politically charged, showing that their meaning can differ between communities.
For many people, though, flags remain a simple way to celebrate national identity, support a team or create a stronger sense of occasion.
Bunting and Flags Return to UK High Streets
Flags and bunting are becoming a familiar sight on British high streets, particularly around major sporting events and community celebrations.
Glasgow 2026 provided a good example, with hundreds of banners installed across the city centre, riverfront and surrounding areas to create a visible connection between the Games and everyday public spaces.
Elsewhere, retail destinations have also used these tools to bring sporting celebrations into shopping areas and create a more festive atmosphere.
One of the reasons why flags and bunting are popular at UK events is that they can do more than decorate a venue. Used on high streets, they can make events feel like part of the wider community, add colour to public spaces and encourage people to engage with local celebrations.
What This Means for Businesses Planning Events
For businesses, the return of flags and bunting trends for UK events shows how much visual detail can shape an occasion. Glasgow 2026 encouraged businesses to get involved through its All In programme, providing branding tools and opportunities to connect with visitors.
Flags and bunting can similarly help businesses create a clear event identity, attract attention and make spaces feel more welcoming. However, planning is important.
Businesses should check whether permission is needed, particularly when displays are attached to public spaces or highways. Government guidance also says flags should be kept safe and should not create hazards or obstruct signs.
With the right planning, simple displays can make an event more memorable while supporting its wider branding and atmosphere.
Choosing Flags and Bunting That Last Beyond One Event
Businesses can get more value from commercial flags and bunting by choosing products designed for repeated outdoor use.
Weather-resistant materials such as polyester are commonly used for outdoor flags because they can cope with moisture and regular exposure to the elements. For bunting, waterproof and reinforced options can provide better durability when displays need to be reused throughout the year.
It’s also important to consider where the display will be used. Wind, sunlight and rain can all contribute to wear, while busy or exposed locations may require stronger materials.
Choosing durable products means businesses can reuse their displays for festivals, sporting events, seasonal campaigns and community celebrations, rather than replacing them after every occasion.
To Get Ready for the Next Big Occasion, Contact House of Flags
Now that you know why flags and bunting are popular at UK events, we can help you design custom advertising materials.
At House of Flags, we’ve got decades of experience manufacturing and supplying a wide range of effective promotional products. From banners, display stands and signage to branded flags and more, we’ve got it all!
With our expertise and high-quality products, you can rest assured that your brand will make an impact on your customers.
Explore our range of products and get in touch with us to learn more about our services.
