Fort Hill flag flies in London’s Parliament Square

The Fort Hill Primary flag was one of six designed by Northern Ireland Schools to fly as part of the House of Commons’ 2015 Flag Project, aimed at introducing young children to the concept of representation.

The project’s creative lead, renowned flag artist Jonathan Parsons, said: “The 2015 Flag Project demonstrates not just the wonderful creativity and imagination of all the participants, but also affords a genuinely unique child’s-eye view of the entire UK in 2015.

“Through their flag designs the children have represented their local identities in a variety of imaginative ways. They have drawn upon the natural environment of their area, or its myths, legends and history. Often, they have shown a local trade or industry.

“As an artist, I know that having your creative work validated is very empowering, so I hope that through this ultimate ‘show and tell’ every participant feels this project has given them a degree of influence – something that many children do not possess.”

The flags stem from an educational journey - undertaken by children in more than 450 primary schools - to discover the importance of elected representation in the UK Parliament – a project developed to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the House of Commons (Simon de Montfort parliament 1265).

David Natzler, Clerk of the House of Commons, said: “Flags are one of the key ways in which individual and group identities are represented around the world. This makes them a perfect vehicle to encapsulate a project celebrating this year’s anniversary of 750 years of political representation in the UK.”

The display of flags in Parliament Square was made possible with financial support from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The Fort Hill flag shows the River Lagan and its abundant wildlife and natural habitats.

Blue flax flowers represent the linen industry which once thrived in the area.