Red Flag Rising

The Red Flag Rising is a day long festival helf annually at St Elvan's, commemorating the historic first raising of the Red Flag in the UK, in May 1831 on Hirwaun Common, Rhondda Cynon Taf

Featuring and focused around the famed Red Poets Society, the inaugural festival took place on Saturday May 31st 2025 - the very anniversary of the inaugural raising of the Red Flag at Hirwaun - and featured a selection of presentations and open discussion with Guest Speakers, interspersed with spoken word by members of The Red Poets
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Guest speakers for the 2025 festival were Beth Winter and Leanne Wood with the featured Red Poets for 2025 being Huw Doyle, Leanne Evans, Jaz Gerard, Mike Jenkins, Al Jones, Gerhard Kress, Nick McGaughey, Rebecca Royall and Julie Watkins

​The event is completely FREE of charge and the full timetable for the 2025 festival is outlined below

The 2026 Red Flag Rising will take place on Saturday May 30th
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If you are interested in getting involved in the Red Flag Rising, or any of our heritage events, contact us by email here​​

Red Flag Rising 2025 

10:00
Doors Open
FREE Comm-unity Cuppa
FREE tea & coffee and networking on arrival

10:30
Introduction & Welcome
Beth Winter

11:00
The Red Flag, Hirwaun
History & Context
with Anastazia Thomas & Nick Nedsky

12:00
Lunch Break

13:00
The Red Flag Today
Socialism in the 21st Century
with Beth Winter & Leanne Wood

14:30
Coffee Break 

15:00
Red Flag Rising 2026 and Beyond
Open Session

16:30
Close

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Red Flag Rising 2026 will take place in a slightly expanded format on Saturday May 30th 2026

Please follow St Elvan's social media for updates

To contact us regarding the Red Flag Rising, click here