Over 500 councils, charities and community groups will take part in Commonwealth Day celebrations by holding flag-raising ceremonies across the UK.

Expected to be the single largest raising of the Commonwealth flag in history, the event will see residents across the country affirming their support for values shared by the organisation’s 53 member countries.

An interactive map - launched by Esri UK – will chart all the ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ ceremonies taking place.

Events will be undertaken at 10am on Monday 10 March, with a newly written Commonwealth Affirmation being read out before flags are raised.

Charity teams will mark the occasion by taking flags to the top of the UK’s four highest national peaks in a bid to raise funds for their causes.

Pageantmaster and originator of Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth, Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, said: ‘Local authorities were the natural choice as the foundation for the new celebration and to lead all the local events.’

‘This approach ensures communities come together and join with others nationwide in a public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, appreciation of the values it stands for, and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.’

Secretary-general of the Commonwealth, his Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, said: ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people in local communities – wherever they live, learn or work – to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family.’

A ceremony in North East Lincolnshire will see the borough’s mayor, Cllr Peggy Elliott, receiving the Commonwealth Flag from the lord lieutenant of Lincolnshire.

‘This is the first year that so many local authorities have been invited to take part in this annual event which gives all the commonwealth nations the chance to celebrate their shared traditions and values,’ Elliott said.