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Draft:Manchester United's 'Big Lily' Flag - The Global Flag of Friendship


The 'Big Lily flag', also known as “The Global Flag of Friendship,” was created in 1999 by Keith Norris, a supporter from Whitehead, Northern Ireland, and the late Martin ‘Faceman’ Cleary.[1][2] The flag measures approximately 40 feet by 30 feet and is popular among Manchester United’s global supporters.[2]

Manchester United's Big Lily over Carrickfergus Castle.

Origin and Symbolism

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The “Big Lily” flag, created in 1999 by Keith Norris and the late Martin ‘Faceman’ Cleary, was born out of the desire to create harmony within their local Manchester United Supporters Club in Northern Ireland, a region historically divided by religious conflict. [1] The name “Big Lily” itself is deriving from the Easter lily and Orange lily, which are emblematic of the Catholic and Protestant traditions in Ireland.[1]

 
Martin "Faceman" Cleary (Left) with Paddy Crerand and Keith Norris (Right)

The flag’s purpose is to transcend the sectarian divide that had long affected the region. It was designed not only to support the football club but also to promote friendship and passion through football. The “Big Lily” has since become an iconic symbol, revered amongst United’s 670 million worldwide supporters, and has been taken across the world, including to countries like Australia, Brazil, Japan, and Germany, further spreading its message of unity.[1]

The flag often makes it's appearance at matches and fan events. It has appeared at two Champions League finals, bridesmaid at Norris’s wedding in Kyoto, attended George Best’s funeral in Belfast, and was a special guest at the 60th Anniversary function of the Malta Manchester United Supporters Club.[1] The “Big Lily” represents the Global Red Family, the spirit of the club’s supporters and their efforts to generate an atmosphere at Old Trafford, preserve the memory of the Busby Babes, and represent issues important to fans.[1]

“Big Lily” underscores the connection between Manchester United and Ireland, with a number of official supporters’ clubs based in Ireland and many Irish players having donned the red shirt of Manchester United. The flag promotes friendship and dedication to the memory of Faceman, one of its creators.[1] It continues to be a global flag of friendship, celebrated by fans all over the world, and serves as a colourful chronicle of the flag’s journey from a local supporters club to a global icon.[1][3][4] . Big Lily's Facebook page 'The Manchester United's 'Big Lily' - The Global Flag of Friendship' has 150K likes • 149K followers since their journey has started.

Global Journey

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File:United's Big Lily in Nou Camp.jpg
Big Lily at the 1999 European Cup Final.

The “Big Lily” has been embraced by Manchester United’s global fan community, symbolizing a shared passion that transcends geographical boundaries. It has travelled to numerous countries, including Catalonia, Japan, Australia, England, United States, Italy, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Russia, Brazil, and Spain.[2] The flag’s journey has been philanthropic, helping to raise funds for anti-racism charity Kick It Out and UNICEF, showcasing the positive impact that football and its fans can have beyond the sport.[2] The flag’s travels have been documented and celebrated, with a Facebook page dedicated to its story and a documentary in the works, highlighting its significance and the stories it has gathered along the way.

 
Big Lily taking centre stage at Old Trafford.

The “Big Lily” flag’s global journey has seen it grace some of the most iconic stadiums and events, becoming a landmark symbol for Manchester United fans worldwide.

  • Old Trafford: The flag has been a central feature at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford, where it has been displayed on numerous occasions, including the 21st anniversary of its creation.[5]
  • Champions League Finals: It has appeared at two Champions League finals, including the iconic treble win in 1999 showcasing its presence at the pinnacle of European club football.[5]
  • George Best’s Funeral: The flag attended the funeral of Manchester United legend George Best in Belfast, paying tribute to one of the club’s greatest players. [5]
     
    Big Lily paying it's respect at George Best's funeral.
  • Kyoto Wedding: It was a bridesmaid at Keith Norris’s wedding in Kyoto, symbolizing the personal connections and life events it has been part of.[5]
     
    Big Lily bridesmaid at Norris's wedding.
  • Malta Manchester United Supporters Club: The flag was a special guest at the 60th Anniversary function of the Malta Manchester United Supporters Club, highlighting its importance to the global fan community.[5]
  • Munich Air Disaster Tribute: The club received acclaim for displaying the ‘Busby Babes’ tribute flags, including the “Big Lily,” during the match against Everton at the Stretford End on the 63rd anniversary of the Munich air disaster.[5]
  • International Wall Murals: The flag has been immortalized in a mural on Belfast’s peace wall, becoming a part of the city’s globally renowned International Wall Murals.[5]
 
Manchester United's 'Big Lily' alongside 'Wee Lily' flags taking centre stage in the Stretford End.

Ongoing Documentary

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The ongoing documentary, titled “United’s Big Lily - The Flag of Friendship,” is in the filming stages and aims to honour the legacy of the flag and its co-creator, Martin ‘Faceman’ Cleary and of the “Big Lily” flag through the stories of fans and the various locations it has visited.[citation needed]

 
Gary Neville with Big Lily at Keith's home.

The documentary has already filmed in various cities, including Munich, Malta, Madrid, Perth, Kyoto, Houston, Manchester, Belfast, and Dublin, showcasing the flag’s global journey and the diverse fanbase of Manchester United.[citation needed]

The project is a celebration of the “Big Lily” will offer a unique perspective on the shared love and camaraderie that Manchester United fans have, regardless of their background or location. The documentary is set to be a heartfelt narrative of the flag’s origins, its travels, and the footballing friendships that have been built around it.[6]

The documentary on Manchester United’s “Big Lily” flag features interviews with a host of famous individuals who have been associated with the club and its history. Some of the notable personalities interviewed include:[1]

  • Gary Neville: Former Manchester United player and club legend, known for his time as a stalwart defender and his contributions to the club’s success.[1]
  • Raul Gonzalez: The legendary Spanish footballer, although not a Manchester United player, his stature in the football world brings a significant perspective to the documentary.[1]
  • Cristiano Ronaldo: One of the most famous names in world football and a former Manchester United star, known for his incredible skill and impact on the game.[1]
  • Dieter Reiter: The Lord Mayor of Munich, providing insights likely related to the Munich Air Disaster, a pivotal moment in Manchester United’s history.[1]
  • Mark McGowan: The Premier of Western Australia, reflecting the global reach and influence of Manchester United and its fanbase.[1]
  • Bertie Ahern: Former Irish Taoiseach, whose interview would bring a political and cultural dimension to the documentary, especially considering the Irish roots of the “Big Lily” flag.[1]

Clips of the upcoming documentary can be viewed with the links below:

United's Big Lily - The Flag of Friendship

MUTV SHORTS - Manchester United's Big Lily

Martin's tale from Manchester United's Big Lily - The Flag of Friendship

Mural

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Big Lily "Mural" - Belfast's peace wall.

The “Big Lily” flag, has been immortalized in a mural on Belfast’s peace wall. The mural, located in no-man’s land on Northumberland Street, features the Orange lily of unionism and the Easter lily of nationalism, representing the flag’s purpose of uniting fans from all backgrounds.[citation needed]

The mural celebrates the global community of Manchester United fans but also stands as a testament to the power of sport in bridging divides. It has become a part of the city’s globally renowned International Wall Murals and is viewed by many of the city’s annual visitors. The flag and mural together tell a story of peace, friendship, and the universal love for football that transcends traditional boundaries.[2][6]

This mural of “Big Lily” is a narrative of history, culture, and the spirit of camaraderie that defines Manchester United’s fanbase. It’s a reminder of how a simple symbol can carry a profound message of hope and unity in a place once marked by conflict. The “Big Lily” mural is a vibrant addition to Belfast’s peace wall, offering inspiration to fans and non-fans alike, and serves as a colourful chronicle of the flag’s journey from a local supporters club to a global icon.[2][6]

Wee Lily Flags

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Some of the Wee Lily flags presented.

The “wee lily flags” are a series of smaller flags inspired by the original “Big Lily” flag, each with its own unique story and significance. They are often presented to various Manchester United supporters’ clubs and individuals around the world to honour their dedication and passion for the club.[4] Here are some examples of these flags and their presentations:

  • Malta Manchester United Supporters Club: A “Wee Lily flag” was presented to the Malta Manchester United Supporters Club during their 60th Anniversary function, symbolising the global reach and unity of Manchester United’s fanbase.
  • Tribute Flags at Old Trafford: On the 21st anniversary of the “Big Lily” flag’s creation, Old Trafford displayed 50 ‘Wee Lily’ tribute flags dedicated to the memory and history of the club’s heroes, legends, and fans.[1]
  • Jersey Tribute: A ‘Wee Lily’ tribute flag was dedicated to the great friends from Jersey, showcasing the global reach of Manchester United’s fan community and the flag’s role in fostering friendships.

The “Wee Lily flag” presented to Bishop Auckland FC was a token of gratitude for the support Bishop Auckland FC provided to Manchester United following the Munich Air Disaster in 1958. During that tragic time, Bishop Auckland came to the aid of Manchester United by loaning them three players—Bob Hardisty, Derek Lewin, and Warren Bradley—to help fulfil their fixtures.[7]

The flag is said to take pride of place behind the goal at Bishop Auckland FC, serving as a lasting symbol of the friendship and solidarity between the two clubs.[7]

Book

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Keith Norris and Paddy Crerand

“My Big Lily: Manchester United’s Biggest Supporter" chronicles the life and journey of the iconic “Big Lily” flag, authored by Keith Norris, the flag’s creator. Published on November 1, 2002, the book delves into the flag’s humble beginnings in Northern Ireland and its rise to global prominence as a symbol of unity among Manchester United fans.[8] With a foreword by Paddy Crerand, a former Manchester United player.[8]

The 292-page book details the flag’s adventures, from its presence at the Nou Camp to its travels across the Far East, and recounts meetings with football greats like Raul and Roberto Carlos. It also touches on the flag’s temporary disappearance, which made national tabloid headlines, adding to its storied history. Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, praised the book, highlighting the importance of supporters to the club and commending Norris for his outstanding work.[8]

The book has been made available in various formats, including an eBook, and has played a part in charity efforts, with proceeds supporting children’s causes.[8][9]

Munich Air Crash - Annual tradition

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Bayern Munich 'Wee Lily' flag showcasing the friendship between the clubs.

The annual pilgrimage of the “Big Lily” flag to Munich is a solemn tradition observed by Manchester United fans to honour the memory of those lost in the Munich air disaster. Each year, as part of a commemoration service organized by the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation, devoted fans travel to the crash site in Trudering, Munich, carrying tribute flags including the “Big Lily” to pay their respects.[1]This tradition is a poignant reminder of the 1958 tragedy that claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight Manchester United players, and left a permanent mark on the club’s history.

The service in Munich is mirrored by a remembrance at Old Trafford, where hundreds gather below the Munich Memorial Plaque to participate in a ceremony that includes the reading of poems, the names of the deceased, and the laying of wreaths.[10] Everybody then proceeds to the Munich, where Big Lily is handled and songs are sung.

This annual journey to Munich is a heartfelt expression of the club’s ethos, ‘We’ll never die,’ a phrase that is often displayed on banners and sung in club anthems during the service.[11]

 
Big Lily amongst supporters in Munich.
 
Big Lily and a Wee Lily amongst supporters in Munich.
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Brown, Alan (2021-03-11). "Manchester United's famous 'Big Lily' Flag centre stage at Old Trafford". About Manchester. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Activity, Extramural (2019-10-14). "United's Big Lily". Extramural Activity. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  3. ^ Belfast, Love (2021-03-01). "Manchester United Honour Fans Icon". LoveBelfast. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  4. ^ a b "Manchester United's famous 'Big Lily' Flag centre stage at Old Trafford". pressat.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Daniels, Martin (2021-04-26). "Manchester United's famous "Big Lily" flag takes center stage at Old Trafford | Trafford Times News". Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  6. ^ a b c "Manchester United's Big Lily blooms on Belfast peace wall". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 2019-10-03. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  7. ^ a b "How Bishop Auckland FC came to Manchester United's aid in wake of Munich air disaster". ITV news. Tyne Tees. 6 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d Norris, Keith; Crerand, Paddy (2002-11-01). My Big Lily: Manchester United's Biggest Supporter. Big Lily Productions. ISBN 978-0-9543762-0-8.
  9. ^ "Flying the flag for charity as Big Lily plays its part in raising £300k for children". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 2017-03-04. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  10. ^ "How Munich was remembered at Old Trafford". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  11. ^ "How we will mark the 65th anniversary of Munich". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
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