diff --git a/deploy/gitea-a11y/custom/templates/custom/header_banner.tmpl b/deploy/gitea-a11y/custom/templates/custom/header_banner.tmpl
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+++ b/deploy/gitea-a11y/custom/templates/custom/header_banner.tmpl
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+{{/*
+  Gitea a11y fix: V5 — Header/banner landmark
+
+  Wraps the top navigation in a <header role="banner"> element.
+  This provides a banner landmark for screen readers.
+
+  Gitea's default base/head.tmpl does not include a header landmark.
+  This override wraps the navbar in <header>.
+
+  Deploy to: custom/templates/custom/header_banner.tmpl
+  Include by adding {{template "custom/header_banner" .}} before <nav>
+*/}}
+
+{{define "custom/header_banner"}}
+<header role="banner">
+{{end}}
+
+{{define "custom/header_banner_close"}}
+</header>
+{{end}}