Cambridge is celebrating as it proudly receives the Purple Flag accreditation, a recognition of its commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night-time economy. We are particularly over the moon about this renewal, as Cambridge has held the Purple Flag since 2018, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to excellence in this area.
The Purple Flag – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5 pm and 5 am. This prestigious award highlights Cambridge's blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the evening and nighttime economy.
The partnership between Cambridge BID, CAMBAC, Cambridge City Council, Police, and other local organisations has been instrumental in enhancing the evening experience in the city. Initiatives like the introduction of Taxi marshals, Open Space Guardians, and the support of St John Ambulance on key dates have made a significant impact on safety and community well-being. Funding for these initiatives has come from within the partnership, including contributions from Cambridge BID, CAMBAC, Cambridge City Council, Cambridge and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner via Safer Streets funding program. Cambridge Street Pastors continue to provide assistance within the city to those needing care and judgement free guidance.
Natalie Dix, Head of Marketing and Communication for Cambridge BID, expressed her delight: “We are thrilled to renew our Purple Flag status, which reflects our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable night-time experience for everyone in Cambridge. This achievement not only recognizes our past efforts but also inspires us to continue improving our vibrant evening economy.”
ATCM adds, “Key successes in Cambridge's submission include the Business Against Abuse Accreditation project, the NTE workers survey, and its strength in protecting their on-trade and pushing back on unmediated alcohol consumption in their city.
In addition to Cambridge, we celebrate one new area being awarded its first Purple Flag, 9 areas receiving a Full Renewal accreditation, and 5 areas receiving an Interim Renewal accreditation.
There are 100 Purple Flag destinations around the globe across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand, and Australia. This includes world-renowned tourist destinations as well as small market towns.
The Purple Flag has represented the gold standard of the management of evening and nighttime economies for nearly 15 years.”
