Penzance Unveils Vibrant Flags and Banners for 2024 Summer Season

The streets of Penzance have been transformed with a splash of colour as the town welcomes the return of its summer flags and banners for the 2024 season.

Commissioned and funded by Penzance Council, these vibrant decorations adorn Market Jew Street, Chapel Street, the Greenmarket, Causewayhead, and Alverton Street, with additional banners along the promenade.

Town Flags: A Mix of Tradition and Innovation

Liz Tyrrell, a Penzance-based artist, has been at the helm of the town flag project since 2017, contributing her artistic flair to the town’s summer decorations. Liz has been involved in creating these flags since 1999, first as an assistant and now as the lead artist. This year, Liz introduced four new designs that capture the essence of life in Penzance: Star Gazey Pie, Afternoon Tea, a rugby player, and a surfer.

“I designed several sets of new flags, and designs were chosen from two of the sets to create colourful variety across the range of flags displayed this year,” said Liz. These new additions are complemented by older flags from the past four years, promoting sustainability.

Promenade Banners: Celebrating Marine Life

The 2024 season also sees a fresh approach to the promenade banners. Previously created by local artist Lucy Birbeck, this year’s banners feature designs by Sarah Bell, another local artist, known for her beautiful artwork celebrating the marine life in and around Mounts Bay.

The designs were printed by Mark and Vaughan at Sailflags, based in Goldsithney, using eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester and water-based inks. Sarah’s goal is for the promenade to feel like an open-air art gallery, filled with uplifting paintings that highlight the precious marine life in Mounts Bay.

“I want people to feel like the promenade is their very own open-air art gallery full of uplifting, moving paintings, featuring the precious marine life in our Mounts Bay,” shared Sarah.

Maintenance and Sustainability

The upkeep of these flags and banners throughout the season is managed by High Maintenance SouthWest, ensuring that any damaged items are promptly repaired and that banners are protected during adverse weather conditions.

Mayor of Penzance, Councillor Stephen Reynolds, expressed his delight, saying, “It’s always a sign that summer has returned when the flags and banners reappear to brighten our streets and prom. Liz and Sarah have certainly risen to the challenge this year, producing designs inspired by things that really matter to local people: surfing, rugby, our amazing sea life, and of course food! And thanks to the team at Sailflags, this year’s Prom banners will not only look great, they will be good for the planet too!”

Penzance Council extends its gratitude to Cornwall Council for permitting the banners to be flown from their flagpoles on the promenade and to local businesses for allowing the summer flags to be displayed from their premises, demonstrating the community’s support for this colourful tradition.