International Inclusive Informed
The home of flags and flag flying since 1971
An independent UK charity with members worldwide. Twice-yearly Flagmaster magazine, online archives including every back issue, conferences in person and online, and a growing digital library. Beginner or expert, all are welcome.
- 1971 Founded, and active ever since
- 76,000+ Items in the Crampton Library catalogue
- FIAV Member, and four-time host of the International Congress of Vexillology
- Adviser To government, UK Parliament, the media and more
Why join
Everything we know about flags, opened up to you
The Flag Institute is run and funded entirely by its members. Your subscription keeps our publications, UK Flag Registry and Crampton Library going, and it gives you our full collections in return.
-
Flagmaster, twice a year
Our 56-page, full-colour magazine, in print or PDF, plus the full archive of every issue since 1971.
-
Dispatch, every month
Our feature-packed e-newsletter, plus the full archive of every issue since 2024.
-
Conferences, live and recorded
Two conferences a year, priority booking, and every talk since 2024 on video to watch at your own pace.
-
Crampton Library
Flag Institute Research Papers, newly digitised archives, and twice-yearly Clarion e-bulletin.
-
A voice in the Flag Institute
An official member pin, voting rights, and opportunities to contribute as an officer or trustee.
-
Member offers
New books at special prices and more.
Membership
Four ways to join
2026/27 rates, and joining online takes a few minutes
- Digital £22 a year For individuals aged 17 and over. Flagmaster in PDF. What is included
- Classic from £29 a year For individuals aged 17 and over. Flagmaster in print. What is included
- Group from £51 a year For schools, libraries, museums and other non-commercial organisations. What is included
- Trade £72 a year For flagmakers, flag retailers, publishers and other commercial organisations. What is included
Something not listed here?
YoungVex membership for under-17s is available from as little as £12, and Registered British Flagmaker membership is open to UK flag manufacturers. Both are arranged directly with us. Contact the Treasurer for full details and an application form.
Free to everyone
Start with our guidance, no membership needed
The UK Flag Registry
The definitive record of UK flags
County, town and community flags, each with its design, specification and history.
Search the Registry
Calendar
UK flag flying days 2026
The official and customary days for flying flags in the United Kingdom, the full calendar kept up to date.
View the datesProtocol
How to fly a flag properly
Half mast, precedence, sizes and the mistakes people make most often.
Read the guidanceExplainer
Union Jack or Union Flag?
The question we are asked more than any other, answered properly.
Settle the argumentSpecification
Union Flag specification
Exact proportions, colours and construction, for anyone making a flag or checking one.
View the specCrampton Library
76,000+ items, catalogued
Free to download and search. Books, magazines, artwork, research and much more.
Download the catalogueMeet us
Two conferences a year, and one of them is free
Our Winter Conference and AGM runs online each November and costs nothing to attend. Our Spring Conference travels the UK, most recently to Bristol, York and London.
See what is coming up-
Saturday 14 November 2026
Winter ’26 Conference and AGM
Free and online, 08.30 to 14.00 GMT. Open to all, members and non-members alike.
-
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May 2027
Spring ’27 Conference
Two days in person, Leicester. Talks, visits and good company. Open to all.
Designing a flag
Thinking about a flag for your county, town or community?
We support designers and organisers throughout the whole process, from a first sketch to a flag recorded for ever in the UK Flag Registry. Our guidance is free to read.
Talk to us about your flagBefore you join
Questions we are asked most
Anything else, we are always happy to help. Get in touch.
Do I need to know anything about flags to join?
No. Our members range from complete beginners to career vexillologists, and a good number joined because of one flag they were curious about. Everything we publish is written to be read by both.
What is the difference between Digital and Classic?
The benefits are identical. Digital sends Flagmaster to you as a PDF for £22 a year. Classic posts you the printed magazine and costs £29 in the UK, £39 in Europe and £46 in the rest of the world.
Can I join from outside the UK?
Yes. We are a UK charity with members and interests worldwide. Digital membership costs the same wherever you are, and Classic is priced by postal region.
What do I get access to straight away?
The full Flagmaster archive from 1971 onwards, the Dispatch archive, member-only research papers and conference recordings from 2024 onwards, all through the members’ area.
How do I renew?
Membership renews automatically once a year, and you can change your card, switch membership or cancel at any time from the members’ area. We email you before each renewal, so nothing is a surprise.
Is there a membership for young people?
Yes. YoungVex membership is for under-17s and is available from as little as £12. Contact the Treasurer for full details and an application form.
-
Adviser to UK Parliament
All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Heritage
-
FIAV member
The International Federation of Vexillological Associations
-
Registered charity
CIO 1152496, England and Wales
-
Secure payments
Card payments handled by Stripe