On Somerset Day, May 11, North Somerset’s council leader Mike Bell reaffirmed that North Somerset remains very much a part of Somerset, despite administrative changes over the years.
The district, which includes towns such as Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Nailsea, and Portishead, was separated from Somerset County Council in 1974 when it became part of the newly formed County of Avon. Later, it emerged as an independent unitary authority known as North Somerset. Though it carries a Bristol postcode, North Somerset officially belongs to the ceremonial county of Somerset.
In a Facebook post celebrating Somerset Day, Mike Bell expressed his pride in the historic county. “Despite what local government boundaries, the Royal Mail, and others might suggest, I was born in Somerset and have always lived here,” he said. To mark the day, the Somerset flag was raised above the town hall, symbolizing the community’s shared heritage.
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Somerset Day honors a significant moment in history—the day in 878 when Alfred the Great called on “all the people of Somerset” to join him in the fight against Viking invaders. It is also the anniversary of King Edgar’s coronation as the first king of all England in Bath Abbey, one hundred years later.
Established in 2015 through a popular vote, Somerset Day is celebrated every year. Like North Somerset, Bath was separated from Somerset County Council in 1974 but remains part of the ceremonial county.
In recognition of this shared identity, North Somerset Council stated, “We’re flying the Somerset flag above the town hall in Weston-super-Mare to mark the day. Though we operate as separate councils, we are united within the ceremonial county of Somerset alongside Somerset Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council.”