FOR the past 13 years colourful flags have adorned Ilminster’s high street and become an iconic part of the town’s summer celebrations.

More than 100 flags line the length of the town centre through May and June, but now the much-loved display needs your help to keep the flags flying.

But now the majority of the flags, and their supporting structures, need replacing.

The ‘Keep Our Flags Flying’ project is being spearheaded by Angie Blackwell from Cottage Flowers and Mike Fry-Foley, Chairman of Experience Ilminster Community Interest Company, to whom the Flag Festival owes its origins.

Angie said: ”It was wonderful to see the flags on display this year and it helped a lot to raise everyone’s spirits.

“But I did notice that some of the flags were in rather a sorry state so I contacted Mike and offered to fund raise. To help the project I am running a grand raffle, so come in to Cottage Flowers for your tickets.”

This year’s flags were still able to go up thanks to a small team of volunteers who normally put up the town’s Christmas lights.

The town’s 110 flags includes some designed by local artists Patrick and John Reytiens. 20 of the original flags were designed with children of Greenfylde School.

Many are faded and some have been been repaired multiple times.

More than 80 per cent need replacing.

Mike Fry-Foley added: “The flags are appreciated by residents and visitors alike and give the town a great atmosphere for events held during the Ilminster Midsummer Experience.”

“We are looking to raise £7,000 and hope to achieve this through grants, donations and special events together with crowd funding; so far we have raised just over £1,000.”

Businesses, local authorities and other grant making bodies will be approached but the Keep Our Flags Flying team will need your support to reach the target.

“The Flag Festival brings many visitors into the town and, to many townsfolk, it kick-starts the summer,” said Mike.

“Please help with your donations, large or small, to keep this event representing the huge pride we have in our town.”

If you would like to know more, contact Mike on 01460 54364 or admin@ilminsterexperience.co.uk.

To make a donation, visit JustGiving.com/crowdfunding/keepourflagsflying.