Town of Hexham left saddened following theft of Pride flag
– 2 min read
The town of Hexham in Northumberland has been left saddened following the theft of a Pride flag displayed in celebration of Pride Month. The flag, which was raised by Hexham Town Council, was discovered missing on the morning of Friday, 20 June. Vandals had allegedly broken into St Andrew's Cemetery overnight, damaging the flagpole and cutting the ropes to remove the flag.
While the council swiftly condemned the act, describing it as “a sad reflection of our times,” it was the community’s response that truly underscored the town’s values.
Local residents took to social media to express their disappointment and solidarity. Many shared messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community, with one resident writing, “This is not who we are. Hexham stands for inclusion, not hate.” Others offered to donate new flags or help repair the damaged flagpole.
Community groups also rallied in response. A local youth organisation announced plans to host a Pride-themed event in the town centre, saying, “We won’t let this act of vandalism silence our celebration of diversity”. Several churches and businesses followed suit, displaying rainbow flags in their windows as a sign of unity.
Councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, who serves both Hexham Town Council and Northumberland County Council for Hexham East, expressed her dismay:
“As Chair for Community Engagement over the past three years, I’m proud to be part of a diverse and inclusive council. We’ve always flown a wide range of flags—from the Toon Army flag celebrating Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup win, to the St George’s flag for the Lionesses’ Euros victory, the French flag for our visitors from Noyon, and the Union Jack during Queen Camilla’s visit. We even lit a beacon for Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee.”
She continued:
“It was heartbreaking to be informed by the cemetery manager that someone had broken into the locked grounds overnight, damaged the flagpole, and cut the ropes to steal the Pride flag—one I had borrowed from my teenage daughter to mark Pride Month.
“This act is not only criminal but deeply disappointing. We live in a free and democratic society where inclusivity and equality should be celebrated. Inclusion isn’t about helping people fit into existing systems—it’s about transforming those systems to be better for everyone.”
Local police are continuing to investigate the incident, and the Town Council has encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
