What patriotism means to people in the West

As flags and symbols become more visible across UK streets, and St George's Day approaches, the question of what patriotism means has - for many - become harder to define. Is it found in community pride, or is it rooted in history?

On Warden Hill in Cheltenham, 80-year-old Alex Adlam - known locally as the "flag man," - flies four different flags each day, chosen from a collection that spans countries, counties and capitals.

It is his way of expressing pride in where he lives whilst appreciating the other cultures of the world.

"I fly a flag for every day of each month, I just pick them at random," he said.

Adlam owns about 750 flags, including the Gloucestershire county flag. His interest goes back decades, sparked by a love of geography and history at school.

"I do understand how patriotic people are of their flag, I've got all the flags of the world," he added.

Over time, what began as a personal fascination turned into something public, with neighbours regularly stopping to read the information he displays alongside each flag.

"I see it as my way of giving something back to the community," he said.

Adlam said flags are about learning and sharing, not making a statement.

It comes after a growing number of St George's and union jack flags appeared in cities, towns and villages in the UK over the past year.

Dr James Freeman, a senior lecturer in political history at the University of Bristol, said there is evidence to suggest some people in certain groups have "become more assertively English in their identity".

"I think why people are concerned about it is that there's another history of the use of flags in our country and around the world, which has been about marking territory," he said.

"Two things have kind of come together, one of which - you could argue - is not in itself unhealthy, which is to celebrate your teams, to have some symbols that bring people together.

"I would always say the St George's flag is not a far-right symbol."

For 49-year-old Cherry Lee and her family, who moved to Bath from Hong Kong five years ago, pride it is less about flags and more about the "landscape, history and architecture" that make them proud to call the West home.

"Our community is a melting pot of culture which is important to me for its inclusiveness and respect to people from different cultural background," she said.

Lee, a teacher, said she is grateful that she can express both her own identity and a wider sense of pride in where she lives.

"I never feel as an outsider. I am glad that I am able to keep my own identity as a Hong Konger."

In Swindon, on a sunny day in Old Town Gardens, it was all about quiet pride, not grand gestures.

Carol Burns, an artist who moved to the town 15 years ago, said patriotism for her is rooted in creativity and community.

"I've been here long enough I feel like an honorary Swindonian," she said, pointing to Old Town, local pubs and the art scene.

But she said that the word "patriot" can feel "uncomfortable".

"There are people who are genuinely patriotic and then others who are flag-waving patriots, and there are other elements to that which can be uncomfortable."

Florina Bumbar, out with her son, summed it up more simply: "I'm proud of our area.

"It [Town Gardens] is the best area to play and for taking kids outside.

"But I would like more space for them," she added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.