• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday June 2 2025

Bristol’s night-time economy retains coveted Purple Flag status for 15th year

Bristol’s night-time economy has been awarded the Purple Flag status for the 15th year running.

Devised by the National Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM), the award assesses qualities such as safety, diversity, vibrancy, accessibility, cleanliness, and partnership working.

It is designed to raise the standards and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am and represents the gold standard for a city’s night-time economy.

Bristol’s success in renewing its Purple Flag accreditation has been attributed to key initiatives in partnership with different Bristol organisations.

Avon and Somerset Police, the Bristol Ambulance Service, Bristol Waste, the city’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and the Street Pastors, along with the Bristol Nights Partnership, led by Bristol City Council.

The judges were also impressed by the city’s NTE Grants Initiative, the award-winning Women’s Safety Charter, and Bristol Light Festival.

Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer said: “I am thrilled to see Bristol retain its Purple Flag accreditation for another year, reaffirming our well-earned status as a leading destination for nightlife in the UK.

“Bristol’s exceptional night time economy continues to punch above its weight when compared to cities of a similar size, and remains a vital cultural, social and economic asset that should rightly be celebrated.

“Our reaccreditation is a brilliant testament to our ongoing commitment to the city after sundown and to the hard work we and our partners put in to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive evening environment for visitors and residents alike.”

Louisa Briggs, project manager for place management at Bristol BID said: “The Bristol BID’s are avid supporters of the Purple Flag accreditation and the many benefits it brings.

“It is a huge credit to the strong partnership working across our city centre that Bristol has yet again been awarded the much-coveted Purple Flag status, exceeding the high standards required for the Night Time Economy in 2025.

In these competitive times it is so important that our city can show to all those that work, study, live and visit Bristol that we offer an exciting, accessible and safe night time experience.”

Richard Williams, managing director at Bristol Waste Company, said: “Our hardworking crews are up early cleaning the streets before most people are awake, picking litter, washing the pavements, and sweeping up debris.

“On Baldwin Street alone, they collect a staggering 500kg of litter every week – that’s around 11,300 bags each year from just one road.

“I’m so pleased that their work has contributed to a reaccreditation of Purple Flag status for Bristol’s nightlife.

“If everyone puts their cans, bottles and cigarette butts in the bin, we can continue to make our city centre a cleaner, safer and more sustainable place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.”

Bristol is one of around 90 Purple Flag destinations around the globe.

Pictured: Park Street at Night by ShotAway