World Cup 2022: Meet the residents of London’s most patriotic estate ahead of England vs Wales

Residents of the Kirby estate in Bermondsey, who describe themselves as "the most patriotic estate in London" have decorated their whole area with hundreds of England flags.
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While the rest of the country has been revelling in World Cup fever, a community in south east London has taken their support to the next level.

Residents of the Kirby estate in Bermondsey, who describe themselves as "the most patriotic estate in London" have decorated their whole area with hundreds of England flags.

Organiser Chris Dowse says the tradition started 10 years agoOrganiser Chris Dowse says the tradition started 10 years ago
Organiser Chris Dowse says the tradition started 10 years ago
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Organiser Chris Dowse said the tradition has been ongoing for the last ten years.

“It started off quite small with one of the residents called Geraldine, she put a flag up outside her house,” the 44-year-old told LondonWorld.

“Then Alan, who lives on the other side, put a flag up and then I saw it and thought we could do something with this.

“Then over the years trees have been taken away and it has exposed more of the estate and you can see the blocks more.”

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In 2018, when the World Cup was hosted in Russia they went around door to door asking residents to hang a flag on every single balcony.

Kirby estate in Bermondsey has been adorned with hundreds of England flagsKirby estate in Bermondsey has been adorned with hundreds of England flags
Kirby estate in Bermondsey has been adorned with hundreds of England flags

Non English residents are also encouraged to put up their own flags.

“It’s not just St George’s flag we have out there, we’ve got Spanish, Canadian, German, Portuguese, Moroccan, Brazilian - so it’s really inclusive,” said Chris.

“It’s amazing the community spirit on this estate,” said Charley Carlisle.

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“Just to be able to put the flags up and everyone comes together, the kids come out and play.

“It just really brings everyone together.

Kirby estate resident Charley CarlisleKirby estate resident Charley Carlisle
Kirby estate resident Charley Carlisle

“It started about 10 years ago when my Mum put a flag out and then one of the neighbours decided to get a bigger one and then it grew from there.

“People sort of went for it and put hundreds of flags up.

This comes as England and Wales fans are set for a nail biting end to the FIFA World Cup 2022 group stages in Qatar tonight.

The final group game for both England and Wales will kick off tonight (Tuesday, November 29) at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Doha taking place at 7pm, UK time.

Chris and Charley will be watching the match indoors this evening but if England progress to the final the residents of Kirby estate plan to throw a massive street party.

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