The Canton of Basel-Stadt gives event organisers the opportunity to hang event-related flags at various locations in the run-up to major events in the city. This enables them to draw the attention of the public and out-of-town guests to their event and welcome the participants to Basel. Depending on the type and size of an event, flags may be displayed in different locations. A total of around 100 flags can be hung in the canton. This corresponds to a full flag display. The locations can be seen in the list below.

The following events will be given preferential treatment for flags due to their great international and national importance and influence and are able to implement a full flag display in all locations (including the Mittlere Brücke):

• Art Basel
• Baloise Session
• Basel Tattoo
• Longines CHI Classics Basel
• Swiss Indoors Basel
• Autumn Fair

In addition, one-off major events and special exhibitions of great international and national importance will be treated in the same way as the above-mentioned events and will also be given the opportunity to fly a full flag display (including the Mittlere Brücke). This includes the following event categories:

• International sporting events (e.g. European Championship/World Cup, Euro 08, UEFA Europa League Final)
• Major international events (e.g. annual meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council 2014)
• Major national events (e.g. the all-Switzerland festival of Swiss national sports, the Schwing- und Älplerfest 2022)
• National/international special exhibitions (100,000 visitors or more)

Special flag display on the Mittlere Brücke

To mark anniversaries: Organisers of major events celebrating an anniversary (either a 20th or 25th anniversary, 50th anniversary and every 25 years thereafter) have the option of displaying special flags on the Mittlere Brücke in the anniversary year.

For events on the Rhine:  Major events that take place on the Rhine in the immediate vicinity of the Mittlere Brücke (e.g. FLOSS, Mirabaud BaselHead Regatta) are given the opportunity to hang six flags on the Mittlere Brücke and flags (mobile flagpoles) on the banks of the Rhine.

Flag display in the other locations (excl. Mittlere Brücke)

Apart from the prioritised full flag display and the special flag display on the Mittlere Brücke, all other major events relevant to the city are given the opportunity to display flags in the remaining locations (around 80 flags). Mobile flagpoles can also be set up on the banks of the Rhine.

The annual planning of the flags is carried out by the Department of Presidential Affairs (External Affairs and Marketing) at the end of November of the previous year and on the basis of the existing flag concept. The flag display is implemented by the Department of Construction and Transport (Civil Engineering Office). If possible, the event-related flags will be put up around 10 days before the start of the event.

An attempt is made to respond to the wishes of the many organisers. Care is taken to ensure that the flags are varied. As a result, it is possible to display flags for several events at the same time.

Costs

The costs for the production of the flags are covered by the organisers. In addition, the organiser bears the external costs for the aerial work platform required at Centralbahnplatz. The costs for putting up and taking down the flags are borne by the canton.

Application

Applications for event-related flags can be submitted by the end of November of the previous year at the latest to: