• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Tuesday June 16 2026

Bristol hoists Purple Flag for 16th year running

Bristol’s night-time economy has been recognised after retaining its Purple Flag status for the 16th year in a row.

The Purple Flag accreditation is awarded to town and city centres that demonstrate a safe, diverse and thriving offering to residents and visitors between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

Bristol’s continued success reflects the city’s strong commitment to supporting and developing its night-time economy.

Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see Bristol retain its Purple Flag accreditation once again, reaffirming our status as one of the UK’s leading destinations for nightlife.

“Our night-time economy continues to punch above its weight and is a vital cultural, social and economic asset for the city, and I’m proud to see Bristol continue to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment after dark.

“We’re proud to work alongside our partners to ensure Bristol remains a vibrant, diverse and friendly place for residents and visitors to enjoy into the evening.”

This year’s submission was praised for its focus on strong partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders including the Bristol Business Improvement District (BID), Avon and Somerset Police, Night Watch, Bristol Waste Company helping to foster a strong sense of civic pride and a clear vision for the city after dark.

Standout examples that were praised by the judges included projects such as the Shredenhams indoor skate park and the much-loved Bristol Light Festival, which has generated more than £11 million in economic impact for the city.

Louisa Briggs, project manager, Bristol BID, said: “We are delighted that Bristol has once again achieved Purple Flag accreditation, marking a remarkable 16 consecutive years of recognition for the city’s thriving evening and night-time economy.

“This achievement reflects the strength of partnership working across Bristol, with businesses, organisations and public services coming together to create a city centre that is safe, welcoming and vibrant for everyone.

At Bristol BID, we are proud to support the Purple Flag initiative through a range of safety programmes, events and city-centre activations that enhance the visitor experience and help people feel confident enjoying Bristol after dark.

“This continued accreditation is testament to the collective commitment of our city partners to ensuring Bristol remains one of the UK’s leading destinations for evening and night-time activity.”

This year, Bristol joins 90 Purple Flag destinations around the globe across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand and Australia. This includes world-renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

Image by ShotAway