Colchester is celebrating its second year of being awarded Purple Flag accreditation, a testament to the city’s commitment to an enjoyable, secure, and growing evening and night-time economy.
Much like the Blue Flag for beaches, the Purple Flag accreditation sets a standard for excellence, enhancing the appeal of town and city centres from 5pm to 5am. This recognition highlights Colchester's unique mix of entertainment, dining, and culture, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors in the evening and night-time hours.
Colchester’s submission highlighted key successes, including a strong commitment to building partnerships following its initial Purple Flag achievement, investment in a custom SOS Bus to provide essential services for the evening and night-time economy that takes the pressure off the hospital’s A&E department, and the accreditation of twelve local businesses with Best Bar None which recognises excellence in customer service and alcohol management.
Vincent Geaves, BID Manager, Our Colchester Business Improvement District and Purple Flag Coordinator, said: “The BID and its partners have continued delivering a programme of safety interventions over the past year to ensure visitors and staff feel safe at all times. From embedding the nationally acclaimed Ask for Angela to the amazing service of the Open Road SOS Bus, who run 'Summer and Winter of Safety' campaigns. Without the incredible staff and volunteers, we would not have such an amazing service which saves lives and helps those who are, or may become, vulnerable.
“I'd like to thank all evening and night-time venues for their continued commitment to making Colchester a safer city. But especially those management teams from twelve venues who obtained their Best Bar None accreditation. Their excellent work continued this year, enabling them re-accreditation for another year.”
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Colchester City Council's Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage and Public Protection, said: “It's fantastic news that Colchester has received Purple Flag accreditation! My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved in this achievement.
“The city has a bustling night-time economy that we want to preserve, so the hard work from multiple partners, as well as local businesses, has played an essential role in gaining the accreditation and keeping Colchester a safe and attractive place for residents and visitors."
There are 100 Purple Flag destinations worldwide, spanning the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand, and Australia, from world-renowned tourist hotspots to small market towns. For nearly 15 years, the Purple Flag has set the gold standard in managing evening and night-time economies. Colchester joining this small club is an honour, and a testament to the city’s commitment to residents and visitors alike.
Page last reviewed: 4 November 2024