Bristol receives Purple Flag accreditation for 14th year running

Bristol is proud to have received the Purple Flag accreditation, which recognises the cities’ commitment to creating a safe and dynamic night time economy, for the 14^th year running.

A Purple Flag accreditation, similar to the Green Flag accreditation awarded to some of our parks, recognises Bristol’s commitment to improving the night time economy, and showcases the city as a leading destination for nightlife, with a focus on safety, inclusivity, and community engagement between 6pm and 6am.

Devised by the National Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM), the award assesses qualities such as safety, diversity, vibrancy, accessibility, cleanliness, and partnership working.

Bristol’s success in renewing their Purple Flag accreditation has been attributed to key initiatives in partnership with different Bristol organisations. These include Avon and Somerset Police, the Bristol Ambulance Service, Bristol Waste, the Bristol Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and engagement with Street Pastors, as well as the Bristol City Council led Bristol Nights Partnership.

Bristol Nights is a partnership project whose purpose is to support the city at night, and everyone who works from 6pm-6am by working with stakeholders from across the city. Bristol Nights have been at the forefront of a number of night time economy innovations, such as the UK's first city-wide Harm Reduction Policy, the establishment of a Women’s Safety Charter, a city-wide anti-spiking initiative and Thrive-At-Night, which concentrates on the wellbeing of night workers.

The diversity of the city culture, entertainment, dining and night time venues was also a decisive factor for the accreditation.

Carly Heath, Bristol’s Night Time Economy Advisor, said:

“Bristol continues to fly the flag for a world-leading night time economy. I'm thrilled that Bristol's hard work in creating a safe, welcoming, and diverse night time offer has yet again been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag. The dedication of the Bristol Nights partnership works all year round to making nightlife safer, stronger, and better connected - so that everyone can enjoy the city after dark.”

Vicky Lee, director of the Bristol City Centre BID said:

“Safety is a key priority for us in the work we do towards improving the city centre. We want everyone who comes out to enjoy the amazing businesses open in the later hours to feel safe to do so, and so we are proud to have retained our Purple Flag accreditation for another year. We hope that this status gives residents and visitors alike even further reassurance that Bristol is a safe place to live, work and play in for years to come.”

Bristol sits alongside the other 100 Purple Flag accredited destinations across the globe.