The Red Ensign has been raised at Northampton Guildhall as the town paid tribute to merchant seafarers past and present.

The ceremony was held to mark Merchant Navy Day, which is observed annually to recognise the contribution made by those who have served – and continue to serve – in the Merchant Navy.

The Red Ensign, the flag of the British Merchant Navy, was raised outside the Guildhall as part of the event.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) said the ceremony honoured the ‘service and sacrifice’ of merchant seafarers and recognised the important role their work at sea continues to play in everyday life.

The Red Ensign was raised outside The Guildhall in Northampton.

placeholder image — The Red Ensign was raised outside The Guildhall in Northampton.

As previously reported by the Chronicle & Echo, the ceremony was due to include speeches from Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire Adrian Pryce, WNC chairman Councillor Fiona Baker and Mayor of Northampton Councillor Mike Hallam.

A two-minute silence was also due to be observed as part of the commemoration.

Members of the public had been invited to attend the annual ceremony, which began at 10.30am on Thursday (September 3).

Following the event, a WNC spokesperson said: “The Red Ensign was raised at Northampton Guildhall today as we marked Merchant Navy Day and honoured the service and sacrifice of merchant seafarers, past and present.

“Thank you to all who attended and helped pay tribute to those whose work at sea continues to play such an important role in our everyday lives.”