Bristol receives Purple Flag for 14th Consecutive Year!

Welcome to Bristol! If you’re moving here, you’ll be pleased to know that our city has been recognised for its exceptional night-time economy. For the 14th consecutive year, Bristol has received the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation, showcasing its commitment to creating a safe, dynamic, and inclusive environment from 6pm to 6am.

What is the Purple Flag?

Similar to the Green Flag for parks, the Purple Flag is awarded to cities that excel in managing their nighttime economy. This accolade highlights Bristol’s vibrant mix of entertainment and culture while promoting safety and well-being for both residents and visitors.

Criteria for the Award

The Purple Flag, granted by the National Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM), evaluates cities based on:

• Safety
• Diversity
• Vibrancy
• Accessibility
• Cleanliness
• Partnerships

Key Initiatives Driving Success

Bristol’s consistent achievement of the Purple Flag is thanks to initiatives and partnerships with:

• Avon and Somerset Police
• Bristol Ambulance Service
• Bristol Waste
• Bristol Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
• Street Pastors
• The Bristol City Council-led Bristol Nights Partnership

Bristol Nights Partnership

A significant contributor to our nighttime economy’s success is the Bristol Nights Partnership. This project supports the city and its nighttime workers through collaborations across various sectors. Notable innovations include:

• The UK’s first city-wide Harm Reduction Policy
• Establishment of a Women’s Safety Charter
• A city-wide anti-spiking initiative
• The Thrive-At-Night program focusing on nighttime workers’ well-being

Cultural Diversity

Bristol’s rich cultural diversity plays a crucial role in its Purple Flag status. The city offers a wide array of cultural, entertainment, and dining venues, making it a vibrant and inclusive nighttime destination.

Hear from Our Leaders

Carly Heath, Bristol’s Night Time Economy Advisor, says: “Bristol continues to lead with a world-class nighttime economy. I’m thrilled that our efforts in creating a safe, welcoming, and diverse nighttime scene have been recognised with the Purple Flag again. The Bristol Nights partnership is dedicated to making nightlife safer, stronger, and better connected, ensuring everyone enjoys the city after dark.”

Vicky Lee, Director of the Bristol City Centre BID, adds: “Safety is a top priority as we work to enhance the city centre. We want everyone to feel safe while enjoying Bristol’s late-night businesses. Retaining our Purple Flag accreditation reassures residents and visitors that Bristol is a safe place to live, work, and play.”

Bristol proudly stands among over 100 Purple Flag accredited destinations worldwide, setting the standard for a safe, inclusive, and thriving nighttime economy.

Go Bristol!

Published: 19.08.24 by Phoebe Clutton