It's official! Leicester's nightlife makes our city the place to be!
Leicester has been commended for its fantastic nightlife today. We graciously accept the renowned accreditation of the Purple Flag, thank you.
The accolade means Leicester is 'excellent' in the evening and night-time economy.
The international accreditation scheme rewards those who achieve delight in their destinations after dark through use of innovation, curation, planning, and partnerships.
The Purple Flag represents cities that are diverse, engaging, and safe spaces for visitors and residents between the hours of 5pm and 5am. It's a bit like the Blue Flag for beaches.
Areas awarded with the Purple Flag are recognised for their vibrancy and diverse mix of dining, entertainment, and culture as well as for promoting safety and wellbeing for all.
BID Leicester, which helped gain the accreditation, commented: "Purple Flag accreditors said highlights from Leicester’s submission include: engaging and varied events, especially Light up Leicester and the success of Restaurant Week.
"Other key projects included a St John’s Ambulance first aid service that is located in the city centre at higher risk dates, and a range of other high-profile events, such as Bring the Paint and Brew Beat craft beer and music festival."
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The growth of the leisure market in recent years has given a new dimension to Leicester’s night-time economy.
“New activities that engage the whole family have strengthened our offer, making Leicester an ideal destination for everyone. Retaining the Purple Flag this year is testament to our commitment to partnership working and our determination to create a safe and welcoming city centre at night.”
BID Leicester, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire Police, and the Safer Leicester Partnership steered Leicester through a rigorous application process to show how the city met key standards. These included:
the city centre being easy to move around and offering a safe journey home
having a diverse offer for the public
offering activities which encourage people to stay from day to evening
and being safe and welcoming, as well as delivering high standards of customer care.
BID Director Simon Jenner said: “Leicester retaining Purple Flag status is great news for the city and for businesses who operate in the night-time.
"This award highlights the strong partnerships that are in place to create the best experience for everyone who lives, works, and studies here. Purple Flag sends out a strong message that we have a safe and vibrant city centre.
“Retaining Leicester’s Purple Flag status is just one aspect of BID Leicester’s planned work on the evening and night-time economy this year.
"Later in 2023, we will also be reintroducing the Best Bar None accreditation scheme for licenced premises, which will further improve standards, identify best practice and reward excellence, so that the City’s nighttime venues can continue to go from strength to strength.”
