Sailflags Commissioned to Create Bespoke Nobori Flags for the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall

Penzance, Cornwall – 15th October 2025 — Sailflags, one of the UK’s leading producers of custom flags and banners, has been commissioned by The Royal Albert Hall and The Grand Sumo Event to craft 16 bespoke traditional Nobori flags for display outside the Royal Albert Hall during the Grand Sumo Tournament, 15–19 October 2025.
Learn more about the event here →

This prestigious international event marks the first Grand Sumo Tournament to be held in the UK in 34 years — and only the second time in history that an official sumo basho has taken place outside Japan.

A Meeting of Tradition and Craftsmanship

The Nobori flags, a hallmark of Japanese heritage, will proudly feature the names of the competing sumo teams and their sponsors. Each flag will be crafted to the highest standard using durable, colourfast materials, printed and sewn in Cornwall by Sailflags’ skilled craftspeople.

Installed along the exterior of the Royal Albert Hall, the flags will form a striking visual welcome for visitors, reflecting the grandeur and cultural depth of the tournament while honouring the centuries-old symbolism of sumo.

Statement from Adam Haycock, Managing Director, Sailflags

“It’s a tremendous honour to be entrusted by both The Royal Albert Hall and The Grand Sumo Event to produce these flags for such a momentous occasion,” said Adam Haycock, Managing Director of Sailflags.

“Sailflags was founded on the principles of traditional flag manufacturing — blending craftsmanship, respect for heritage, and pride in quality. To create Nobori flags that celebrate the art and ceremony of sumo, displayed at one of the world’s most iconic venues, is a privilege for our entire team.

“This commission perfectly reflects what we stand for: authentic craftsmanship, visual impact, and respect for cultural tradition.”

About the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall

Dates: 15–19 October 2025
Venue: Royal Albert Hall, London
Details: Over 40 top-division rikishi (sumo wrestlers) from Japan will take part in this rare overseas tournament, showcasing the full spectacle, ritual, and power of sumo.

About Sailflags

Founded in Cornwall, Sailflags has built a reputation for traditional flag craftsmanship combined with modern printing innovation. The company produces custom-made feather flags, banners, and large-scale installations for high-profile clients and public events across the UK.

Sailflags continues to uphold the values of quality, care, and authenticity in every flag it makes — ensuring that every project, from local community displays to international showcases, captures the spirit of its purpose.

Media Enquiries:
Sailflags
📞 01736 719111
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.sailflags.co.uk

The Japanese Roots of Feather Flags – and How They Inspired Sailflags

Boost Foot Traffic in Retail with Feather Flags – Cost-Effective Advertising

Retail businesses are always searching for innovative ways to attract customers and boost foot traffic. Feather flags provide a practical, eye-catching, and affordable solution that can draw in potential customers and increase visibility. Here’s how feather flags can benefit your retail store and help you stand out.

1. Enhanced Visibility for Retail Stores

Feather flags are designed to catch the eye, with their tall, slender shape and graceful movement in the wind naturally drawing attention. Placing them near store entrances or along busy sidewalks increases your store’s visibility, encouraging more passersby to step inside. Their dynamic presence ensures that your brand stands out, making it ideal for capturing the interest of people who might otherwise walk past.

2. A Cost-Effective Marketing Tool

Compared to traditional advertising methods like billboards or print ads, feather flags are much more budget-friendly. With low initial costs and the ability to reuse them for various promotions, they offer an excellent return on investment. For a fraction of the cost of other promotional tools, multiple feather flags can create a compelling visual impact, boosting brand awareness without straining your marketing budget.

3. Flexible and Portable Promotion

Feather flags are easy to set up, take down, and reposition, making them ideal for both permanent displays and temporary promotions. You can move them around to highlight seasonal sales, direct customers to specific departments, or adapt them for different events and store layouts. This flexibility ensures that your marketing efforts remain fresh and tailored to your current needs.

4. Customisation to Reflect Your Brand Identity

Feather flags offer endless customisation options, allowing you to design a flag that perfectly aligns with your branding. Whether you want to highlight a special offer, new product, or simply enhance the store’s visual appeal, custom feather flags can feature your logo, colours, and messages. This not only strengthens your brand identity but also makes promotional efforts more effective by delivering targeted messages to your audience.

5. Durability and Long-Term Use

Retail environments often face varying weather conditions, and feather flags are built to endure them. Made from weather-resistant materials, they are designed to withstand wind, rain, and sun, ensuring that your promotional message remains visible throughout different seasons. This durability makes them a reliable, long-term investment for any retail store looking to maintain continuous outdoor marketing.

6. Strategic Placement to Increase Engagement

Strategically placed feather flags can guide customers towards specific store sections, entrances, or promotional displays. By arranging multiple flags in a "breadcrumb trail" pattern, you can lead shoppers to key areas within the store, enhancing the shopping experience and increasing foot traffic. Feather flags can improve footfall by up to 20%, making them a valuable asset for retail businesses looking to attract more walk-in customers.

Feather flags provide a dynamic and cost-effective way to attract customers and enhance your store's visibility. To explore customisable feather flag options for your retail business, visit Sailflags' Feather Flags. Integrating feather flags into your marketing strategy can effectively make your retail store stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Sailflags Joins National Beach Clean Week to Support Eco-Friendly Initiatives

We are excited to announce that Sailflags will be taking part in National Beach Clean Week, as part of the Great British Beach Clean. This annual event, organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and businesses to come together and make a positive impact on our coastal environments.

Why We’re Getting Involved

At Sailflags, we are proud to be an eco-friendly company. As manufacturers of Feather Flags and Promotional Flags, we are committed to using 100% recycled materials in our products. Taking part in National Beach Clean Week allows us to further demonstrate our dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

This initiative aligns perfectly with our values of reducing waste, reusing materials, and promoting eco-conscious practices within the UK business community. It’s also a great opportunity to give back to the coastal regions that are home to many of our valued customers.

What Is National Beach Clean Week?

National Beach Clean Week is part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean, running from 13th to 22nd September. During this period, thousands of volunteers will head to beaches across the UK to clear litter and debris, helping to protect marine life and keep our beaches clean.

By collecting and recording the rubbish found, the data gathered contributes to ongoing scientific research and policy changes aimed at reducing ocean pollution.

How You Can Join Us

We encourage our customers and partners to get involved! You can join a beach clean near you by visiting the Marine Conservation Society’s website. Whether you’re passionate about protecting our coastlines or simply want to make a difference, every effort helps.

Promoting Environmental Awareness Through Feather Flags

Our Feather Flags and Promotional Flags are more than just marketing tools—they're symbols of our commitment to sustainability. By supporting initiatives like National Beach Clean Week, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our natural environment, while continuing to provide high-quality, eco-friendly promotional products for your business.

Let’s Make a Difference Together

Sailflags is proud to take part in this important initiative, and we hope to inspire others to join us in supporting a cleaner, greener future. Together, we can help preserve the beauty of our beaches for future generations while continuing to innovate in producing environmentally friendly Feather Flags and Promotional Flags.

Stay tuned for updates from our team during the week as we head to the beaches and do our bit for the planet!