Purple Flag is an internationally recognised accreditation scheme similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag award for beaches that aims to reward towns and cities that strive to create safe and thriving locations at night for all users. It was launched in 2009 in the UK and is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). Purple Flag is an international accreditation programme
Vibrant, diverse and safe evening and night-time economies do not happen by accident. Innovation, curation, planning and partnership are key elements to creating a destination that serves its all users of between the hours of 5pm and 5am.
These initiatives are developed in association with those operating businesses at these times, with the Police, City Council and District Watch, with the college and universities and their student representatives and with the resident community.
Canterbury has been accredited with the Purple Flag award for a great night out every year since 2011. Highlights from Canterbury’s 2022/23 submission include the police licensing response to the panic created by the spiking in clubs post lockdown, and the immediate partnership support of the late night venues in raising awareness. The free bus service provided by the late night venues is an outstanding provision worthy of merit, and the connected routes scheme is a great policy and to be commended.
How is Purple Flag judged?
Purple Flag covers five broad themes that are key to developing and managing successful centres at night. It captures the rounded experience that people want from their town/city centres at night.
- Wellbeing – How safety issues are addressed, regulations that are in place and the perceptions of local people.
- Movement – How transport works, parking, pedestrian routes. how crowds are managed and information available.
- Policy – How local data is collected and used, coordination between local partners and the inclusion of the local community.
- Appeal – The choice of different activities on offer including a wide range of bars, restaurants, shops and public buildings.
- Place – The layout of the city centre looking at its design, identity and diversity of local activities.
The benefits of Purple Flag:
- a raised profile and improved public image;
- increased visitors;
- increased expenditure;
- lower crime and anti-social behaviour;
- a more successful mixed-use economy.
- The Purple Flag mark is not only a sign of quality; it’s also a useful marketing tool that promotes confidence in the Canterbury city centre brand.
Purple Flag Committee
Canterbury BID brings together members of the following organisations to ensure that ENTE safety is addresses in a joined up manner. Partnership working ensures that our city remains an exemplary city in the Purple Flag portfolio:
- Canterbury City Council
- Kent Police
- Street Pastors
- Alliance of Canterbury Residents’ Associations (ACRA)
- Street Marshalls
- University of Kent
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- Kent Union
- Canterbury Christ Church Union
- Local businesses: The Marlowe Theatre, Curzon Cinema, Club Chemistry, Tokyo Tea Rooms, The Ballroom, Student Republic, Pride Canterbury, McDonalds
Canterbury BID has organised conferences for our Evening & Night Time Economy businesses and has supported ENTE through the pandemic with bespoke marketing campaigns and professional photo shoots to help with reopening publicity.
