Flag Day 2023 in pictures as Bristol City fans paint Bedminster red
Bristol City supporters turned out in their droves to celebrate the first home match of the season this afternoon (August 5)
Flag Day is here, with scores of Bristol City fans taking to the streets of Bedminster this afternoon (August 5) ahead of the first home match of the season kicking off later today. Bristol City are taking on Preston North End at Ashton Gate Stadium from 3pm, with countless fans marking the monumental day with an electric display.
The 2023 Flag Day celebrations saw large crowds gather at The Three Lions on West Street in Bedminster, ordering pints from the extra bars which had been set up before letting off colourful flares and smoke grenades at 1pm. The A38 from the city centre to Bristol Airport was closed as City fans made their way to Ashton Gate amid a sea of smoke.
The annual celebration has been a staple in City fans' calendars for the last 25 years, evolving from a display of away match flags to a monumental event that feels more like a carnival. Pub landlord Sean Donnelly told those taking part that the road had to be cleared by 1pm, although mounted police were still trying to mop up the celebrations and reopen the road shortly before 1.30pm.
Scroll down to see photos from this year's Flag Day celebrations.
An early start
Flag Day celebrations in Bedminster started a little earlier than planned, shortly after 12.20pm
(Image: Paul Gillis)1 of 7A fiery display
City fans let off flares and smoke grenades ahead of the team's first home game of the season
(Image: Paul Gillis)2 of 7Police on the scene
City fans gather for a day of celebrations outside The Three Lions in Bedminster
(Image: Paul Gillis)3 of 7A celebration for young and old
![Children hold up red smoke grenades on Flag Day 2023]()
City fans of all ages got involved as crowds brightened up Bedminster's rainy streets with red smoke
(Image: Paul Gillis)4 of 7
