As the festive season approaches, Cambridge is once again preparing to ensure a well-managed night-time experience under its Purple Flag status. Throughout December, the city will be bustling with Christmas cheer, and thanks to coordinated efforts between Cambridge BID, CAMBAC leads on Purple Flag, and other key partners the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire Police, and key city venues such as The Regal (Wetherspoon), MASH, KiKi and more, enhanced safety measures will be in place to protect residents and visitors alike.
Since 2019, Cambridge has proudly held the Purple Flag status, an accreditation that recognises the city’s excellence in managing its evening and night-time economy. Much like the Blue Flag for outstanding beaches, the Purple Flag signifies that Cambridge is not only a vibrant and thriving destination after dark but also a safe, welcoming, and well-organized environment for residents, students, and visitors alike. From bustling restaurants to lively cultural events, Purple Flag represents a commitment to creating a dynamic cityscape where safety and enjoyment go hand in hand—making Cambridge the perfect place to experience life after hours.
This Christmas season, Taxi Marshals and Open Space Guardians will be on duty every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays in December, helping ensure safe journeys home and supporting those in public spaces. On Saturdays, Street Pastors will provide care and assistance to those in need, and Nightlite will offer a welcoming safe space for anyone feeling unwell or seeking a place to rest. As consistent thought-out the year CCTV and CAMBAC radio and venues will be working in tandem communicated with the city and CCTV control room and Police if needed. Also, the trusted Green Stripe Taxis will be working to get you home safe, these taxis are sliver with a green strip across them this is a licensed, trusted and reliable taxi service, ensuring safe transport.
To provide additional medical support during the busiest nights of the festive season, St John Ambulance, funded by Cambridge City Council, will be on standby on December 20th, 21st, and New Year's Eve (December 31st). The presence of St John Ambulance proved critical last year, with Nightlite and St John Ambulance collectively treating individuals and providing much-needed assistance. Thanks to the diligent efforts of these teams, NYE 2023 saw the lowest ever recorded hospital admissions linked to alcohol/NTE related incidents within the Cambridge City Centre. This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of Cambridge's well-coordinated safety strategy.
Cambridge Street Pastors and Nightlite will be out:
Friday 20th December - Street Pastors and NightLite at Downing Place Church 10pm to 3am
Saturday 21st December – Street Pastors and NightLite Downing Place Church 10pm to 3am
No patrols on 28th December
Tuesday 31st December – Street Pastors and NightLite
From Saturday 4th January to Saturday 18th January we will only be opening NightLite from 10pm to 3am. No Street Pastors patrol.
Saturday 25th January – Street Pastors and NightLitDowning Place Church 10pm to 3am
Business Crime Representative for CAMBAC and co-lead on purple flag, "Our ongoing collaboration with local businesses, universities, and safety services underlines our commitment to a secure and vibrant night-time economy, especially during the festive season when footfall is at its highest. The presence of St John Ambulance, Taxi Marshals, Open Space Guardians, Street Pastors, and other support teams ensures that Cambridge remains a safe destination for all. CAMBAC’s 2 way radio system links premises and partners across the city, ensuring information is passed efficiently and effectively"
Cambridge’s Purple Flag status continues to symbolises the city’s dedication to a well-managed, secure, and lively night-time economy, making it the perfect place to celebrate the holidays and New Year with peace of mind.
Head to the website www.cambridgebid.co.uk/purple-flag to find out more.
