Purple Flag

Purple Flag is an internationally recognised accreditation scheme similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag award for beaches that aims to reward towns and cities that strive to create safe and thriving locations at night for all users. It was launched in 2009 in the UK and is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). Purple Flag is an international accreditation programme

Vibrant, diverse and safe evening and night-time economies do not happen by accident. Innovation, curation, planning and partnership are key elements to creating a destination that serves its all users of between the hours of 5pm and 5am. 

These initiatives are developed in association with those operating businesses at these times, with the Police, City Council and District Watch, with the college and universities and their student representatives and with the resident community.

Best Night Out In Kent – Campaign 2024

To celebrate Canterbury’s amazing hospitality businesses, we brought them together for two workshops to help shape a special campaign running from February-March 2024. Our aim, to promote Canterbury as The Best Night Out In Kent. Click the image below to read the campaign review.

Visit the Canterbury Night Life Guide HERE

Canterbury Celebrates 12 Years of Purple Flag!

We are incredibly proud to publish comments made by the Purple Flag Assessors panel. Congratulations to EVERYONE involved – you thoroughly deserve this:

• An impressive and continued commitment to safety through the work of the BID and their partners.
• The response to the Cantebury Evening Out Gift Card is fantastic, an increase of 60% on the previous year is a brilliant achievement.
• The Christmas Light Parade and market look brilliant, and the level of impressions and extensive planning from the Christmas campaign should be commended.
• Engagement through Best Bar None gain recognition at the House of Lords, being awarded the best newcomer.
• Canterbury has demonstrated an elevated level of Purple Flag brand communication.

The partnership and working group are extremely diverse, strong and committed.

---

How is Purple Flag judged?
Purple Flag covers five broad themes that are key to developing and managing successful centres at night. It captures the rounded experience that people want from their town/city centres at night.

• Wellbeing – How safety issues are addressed, regulations that are in place and the perceptions of local people.
• Movement – How transport works, parking, pedestrian routes. how crowds are managed and information available.
• Policy – How local data is collected and used, coordination between local partners and the inclusion of the local community.
• Appeal – The choice of different activities on offer including a wide range of bars, restaurants, shops and public buildings.
• Place – The layout of the city centre looking at its design, identity and diversity of local activities.

The benefits of Purple Flag:

• a raised profile and improved public image;
• increased visitors;
• increased expenditure;
• lower crime and anti-social behaviour;
• a more successful mixed-use economy.
• The Purple Flag mark is not only a sign of quality; it’s also a useful marketing tool that promotes confidence in the Canterbury city centre brand.

Purple Flag Logos:

• Download the Purple Flag Logo HERE
• Download the Purple Flag Canterbury Banner HERE

Purple Flag Committee

Canterbury BID brings together members of the following organisations to ensure that ENTE safety is addresses in a joined up manner. Partnership working ensures that our city remains an exemplary city in the Purple Flag portfolio:

Canterbury BID has organised conferences for our Evening & Night Time Economy businesses and has supported ENTE through the pandemic with bespoke marketing campaigns and professional photo shoots to help with reopening publicity. 

---