A FLAG widely recognised as a symbol of racial hatred has been seen flying in Evesham.

The sight of the Confederate flag – spotted above The Ponderosa’s country and western festival in Blayneys Lane - has been labelled as “shocking and confusing” by some members of the community.

But use of the controversial banner over the weekend (July 23 to 26) has been defended by those who put it up.

Kelly, one of the event organisers, said: “To suggest the flag is a racist symbol is a load of rubbish.

“It is completely harmless in my opinion.

“In the country and western world it is just a rebel flag – it is not controversial.

“We are not supporting any form of racism whatsoever and the flag has not been flown as some sort of message.

“Anyone who has complained is ignorant about the country and western community and doesn’t have any idea what we are all about.”

She added her 15-year-old brother had selected the flag at random from a barn and would not have been aware of its recent media coverage.

The Confederate flag sparked a worldwide debate when it was flown in the South Carolina state capitol grounds just days after the racist shooting of nine black churchgoers.

Supporters of the flag see it as a symbol of ancestry and heritage but for many Americans it is a representation of slavery, hatred and white supremacy.

“If we offended anyone then of course we apologise and it is quite concerning to hear that”, added Kelly.

“We certainly never meant to offend anyone and we didn’t think it would get people’s backs up.

“It never even crossed our minds that could happen. We had 200 people at the festival and not one person said we should take it down.

“At every event we fly a flag so people can find the site, which can be tricky to locate.

“We are all about getting together, having fun and raising money for a good cause.”

One member of the public, who asked not to be named, was however offended by the flag.

They said: “A Confederate flag has been spotted in Evesham.

"The flag, which has recently been associated with racism in the USA, is flying high over the A46 ring road. "Locals are shocked and confused as to why this flag should be appearing in the Vale."

The Ponderosa Round-Up events take place in April and July annually featuring live music, shootouts, raffles, auctions and showdowns – all with a country and western theme.

They are organised by “a family who love country and western music and the lifestyle” so much they created a replica western town and barn on their property, according to ponderosa-roundup.weebly.com

Each festival raises money for the Vale of Evesham School.