England’s most patriotic property turns right into a sea of white and pink

Football fever took hold of this patriotic south-east London estate last night as residents turned the grounds into a vibrant fan zone to watch the Euros final in style.

The estate was a sea of red and white as more than 350 England flags hung from balconies and bunting ran across every building.

Dubbed England’s most patriotic estate, the residents of Kirby Estate in Bermondsey fill the grounds with hundreds of flags and decorations to mark every national occasion, from the Women’s Euros to the King’s Coronation.

And yesterday, the council estate’s avid England fans celebrated ahead of the Three Lions final in Berlin by setting up a residential fan zone brought alive with patriotic bunting, face paint, bouncy castles and England flag-adorned biscuits.

Children donned their England kits as they painted the St George’s cross on their faces while parents brought out themed baked goods and a Kirby Estate-branded popcorn machine to mark the exciting day.

A screen decorated with a red and white balloon arch was being set up early in the day as organisers anticipated a large turnout, with families living on the estate as well as Bermondsey locals expected to gather at the grounds in time for kick-off.

Families from across London fascinated by the estate were seen visiting to catch a glimpse of the patriotic street ahead of the game.

Chris Dowse, a resident of the estate who has been organising the events in the community since 2012, said: ‘It’s an old school community feel.

‘That’s what it is about here. It’s old school. Yes, it is a council estate, but we’ve got a sense of community, a sense of well-being, a sense of belonging that you don’t get elsewhere.

‘People always ask ‘when are the flags going up?’ 

Mr Dowse, a former DJ, set up a set last night behind the screens to fill the central grounds with music in the build up to kick-off.

Speaking of his anticipation watching the match, the 45-year-old said: ‘If we play like we did against Netherlands in the first half, it’s coming home all day long.

‘We’ve got better and better as the tournament has gone on, it’s our time to shine now.

‘It’s got to come home, I’ve waited too long. For my little boy, for me, for everyone in England, it needs to come home.’

Fascinating football-themed murals drawn by MurWalls also uplift the walls of the flats year-round, with one of England star Eberechi Eze painted on in tribute to the Crystal Palace footballer making it to the Euro’s squad.

The estate was filled with music and celebrations in 2022 when the England team won at the Women’s Euros, and a mural of Fran Kirby has since been painted.

Children were headed out onto neighbouring streets in their England kits yesterday afternoon to fundraise for the estate’s park to be reopened.

Later helping to set up food stalls and a face-painting stand, the youngsters posed as they told of their excitement ahead of the game.

They said: ‘We’re very very excited, we can’t wait. It’s definitely coming home.’

Families were seen sitting out on balconies taking in the atmosphere and children were causing chaos in an England-themed bouncy castle, as organisers including Mr Dowse, Alan Putman, 54, and Geraldine Howard, 58, helped put together the display.

One resident, Martin Awah, moved to the area after seeing the Euros 2021 celebrations.

The 60-year-old teacher said: ‘This is actually what enticed me to move here.

‘I saw pictures of the celebrations on Facebook. My wife said ‘that looks interesting, let’s go there’.

‘You’ve got people of all backgrounds, and it all comes together and there is a community spirit. There is unity. It makes you feel at home.’ Speaking of the finals, he said: ‘It’s coming home.

’58 years ago England won. This time around, it has to happen again. It will lift the spirits of the nation.

‘The team have done very well, I’m very proud of the team.

‘I’ve invited my friends to come and watch it here. I’m very excited.

‘If we win, I’m going to dance around the estate. We’ve got DJ Chris, they’ll be good music playing.’ Excited England supporters Sarah McDonnell and Nancy Saunders visited the estate with their children in the afternoon to take photos of the impressive England displays.

Ms McDonnell, who lives locally, brought her friend and her family from Camden in North London, to catch a sight of the murals. 

She said: ‘I wanted to show them this and it’s around the corner from where I live.

‘If we play well, we should win. We’re getting closer every time.’

While residents began the tradition of putting up flags in 2012, they recently found out that the estate, built in 1937, has always had a history of celebrating England’s matches.

A picture from 1945 shows residents gathered around, with bunting in the colours of the national flag, with a sign reading ‘Kirby Estate, Kiddie’s Party’.

Rebecca Robins, 36, a teaching assistant who lives on the estate: ‘I love living here, all the neighbours are so lovely and they do so much to help, in every day life, not just during football.

‘It’s not just like this at football time, it’s like this all the time.’ She said: ‘There’s a really nice atmosphere on days like these.

‘Events like these are important to show that you can still enjoy and have a nice time in the community.’

Alan Putman, 54, said: ‘Everyone is really enjoying themselves, eating food, music is playing. Everyone is ready for the match.

‘We’re putting up inflatables too now, and some more decorations.

‘The atmosphere is fantastic is great, and more family and friends will be arriving soon.’ Chris Dowse said: ‘It’s like the calm before the storm right now, we’re trying to get everything set up.

‘Its a nice family atmosphere right now, parents, children, everyone is out.

‘People from all walks of life are turning up from around the grounds, it’s a real community feel.

‘Everyone is talking, enjoying the vibe, it’s really buzzing out here.’