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Barnsley Town Hall

Barnsley Town Hall is the home of Barnsley Council. Only a few offices are now based here, along with meeting and reception rooms. This famous local landmark dates from 1933 and is a popular venue for weddings and civil partnerships.

The town hall has a cafe and the landscaped fountain areas outside make a great place to meet and relax. It's also home to the Experience Barnsley museum and Barnsley archives, where you can find out more about the town hall's past.

The building is historic but has level access and Changing Places facilities. It's within a short distance of a  range of parking in the town centre.

Flag flying and lights

Barnsley Town Hall is the only council building that flies flags. There are three flagpoles on the building – one on the tower and two at the front corners.

We follow the UK government guidance on flying flags on government buildings.

There may be times when we're asked by the UK government to fly other flags, or other exceptional circumstances when other flags should be flown. The Leader and Chief Executive will consider these individually.

At Barnsley Town Hall, we fly the following three flags all year round:

  • Union Flag - the Union Flag is the national flag of the United Kingdom. It is already flown all year round from the highest flagpole on the tower of the town hall.

  • St George’s Cross flag - the St George’s Cross is the national flag of Saint George, the patron saint of England. It is flown all year round from the right-hand corner flagpole.

  • Barnsley Council flag -  the Barnsley Council flag represents our borough and all our communities. It is flown all year round on the left-hand corner flagpole, above the Mayor of Barnsley’s chambers.

Flag etiquette

We follow established rules for raising, lowering and displaying flags. This makes sure they are treated with respect and flown safely and consistently.

General principles

  • Flags should always be clean, undamaged and in good condition.

  • Flags will be flown in a way that makes sure they are secure, even in poor weather.

  • Flags are raised quickly and lowered slowly and respectfully.

Half mast guidance

When a flag is flown at half mast, it should sit about two-thirds of the way up the pole, leaving a clear space above it. Flags are only lowered to half mast for the reasons set out in this policy or when instructed nationally.

Occasions when flags are not flown

We may take down flags temporarily during severe weather or for maintenance and safety reasons.

Mourning and remembrance

The Union Flag on the main flag pole is lowered to half-mast:

  • from the announcement of the death of the Sovereign until the funeral (on Proclamation Day, flags return to full mast)

  • following the death of other members of the Royal Family, in line with national protocols

Lights – tower and fountains

The Town Hall tower and the Pals Square fountains are lit up in red, white and blue to depict the Union Flag. They might also be changed to reflect the council’s communications and marketing campaigns.