Call to Support Wor Flags and Protect Our Community
You may have seen recent headlines or heard rumours: Anarchy Brew Co., who previously brewed the “Wor Flags” beer, has trademarked the word “Wor” in relation to beer. This has serious implications, not just for a name, but for the community, volunteers, and fans who have come together through Wor Flags.
What’s Gone Wrong
Anarchy Brew Co. registered the trademark for “Wor” back in 2022, giving them the rights to use the term in relation to beer. Despite Wor Flags having existed long before, the charity is now under pressure and faces the risk of legal consequences. This is not a small matter of branding or paperwork. Wor Flags has built an identity over years of work, rooted in the passion of Newcastle United supporters. Their huge displays inside St James’ Park have become a defining feature of the club’s matchdays, inspiring those in the stadium and resonating with fans around the world who see their efforts shared far and wide. To challenge such a group in this way is heavy-handed and damaging, undermining a charity that is central to the culture of the club.
Why This Affects More Than Just Beer
This situation goes beyond a dispute over naming rights. At its heart, it raises questions about how community-led projects are treated by commercial businesses, and what happens when legal mechanisms are used against charities who lack the resources to fight back. Wor Flags is more than a presence in the stands. It is a volunteer-run organisation that not only creates spectacular matchday displays for both the men’s and women’s teams but also provides vital support to local foodbanks and the wider community. If they are forced to defend themselves in court, valuable time, energy and money would be diverted away from the work they do best, to the detriment of supporters and the city alike.
What’s Being Done
Wylam Brewery, who had been producing the “Wor Flags” beer, has rebranded the product as “NCL Flags” in order to protect the charity from legal and financial risk. While the name has changed, their commitment has not, and all proceeds continue to support Wor Flags and its work. By doing this, Wylam has set an example of how businesses can stand with fans and strengthen the community rather than harm it.
What You Can Do — A Call to Action
Now is the time for supporters to show where they stand. Wor Flags should not have to shoulder the weight of legal pressure for doing what they have always done: uniting fans, creating unforgettable moments at St James’ Park, and giving back to the community. We encourage all fans to send the email drafted at the end of this article to Anarchy Brew Co and respectfully let them know how we feel about this as a fan base.
Donate to Wor Flags
If you would like to make a direct contribution to Wor Flags and support their displays and charitable efforts, you can do so here:
And if you’d like to enjoy a nice glass of NCL Flags beer, make sure to check out Wylam Brewery for details of where to get it.
Call to action – draft email
Email address: Brewed@anarchybrewco.com
Subject: Deep Disappointment Regarding Wor Flags
Dear Anarchy Brew Co.,
I was extremely disappointed to learn that Anarchy Brew Co. is pursuing legal action against Wor Flags over the use of the name “Wor.” This is especially troubling given your previous partnership with the group to produce their official beer. Wor Flags is not just another supporter initiative, it is an organisation that has transformed the matchday experience at St James’ Park. Their displays are something truly special, lifting the atmosphere for those in the ground while also being shared across the world, bringing pride to Newcastle United supporters everywhere. To take such a heavy-handed approach against them is both disheartening and damaging to a charity that has given so much to the fanbase and wider community.
What makes this situation even more disappointing is the wider impact. Wor Flags doesn’t just dedicate time and effort to the men’s and women’s teams; they also provide crucial support to local foodbanks. They are a grassroots charity, run by volunteers, and should not have to face the burden or risk of expensive legal disputes with a commercial business.
Because of this, I can no longer support your company. I will be boycotting your products and encouraging friends, family, and fellow supporters to do the same. I believe many others will feel just as strongly, and it is my hope you will reconsider this course of action before lasting damage is done to your reputation within the community.
