Chester retains Purple Flag for thriving and safe night-time economy

Chester has retained its prestigious Purple Flag accreditation, recognising the city’s thriving and safe evening and night-time economy.

To celebrate, Chester Town Hall, the Eastgate Clock, and Newgate will be illuminated in purple from 14 to 16 February.

First awarded to Chester in 2018, the Purple Flag acknowledges areas that offer a vibrant mix of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors.

Key achievements and highlights

Chester’s Purple Flag submission was praised for several initiatives, including the successful trial of Street Angels, strong engagement with local residents, and a diverse events calendar.

The city’s Pride event was singled out as a particular highlight.

Councillor Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, said: “It’s particularly fitting at the same time Chester is being crowned as one of the world’s most welcoming cities that we can keep flying the Purple Flag in recognition of Chester remaining safe and welcoming during the evening.

“None of this would be possible without the many city centre partners working together to ensure Chester remains safe and welcoming. Chester welcomed 16,859,128 visitors last year—a 1.7 per cent increase on the previous year.

“We will be celebrating the Purple Flag this week by lighting the Eastgate Clock, Town Hall and Newgate purple.”

World’s most welcoming city status

Chester’s Purple Flag success coincides with the city being voted the tenth most welcoming city in the world and the most welcoming place in the UK in a recent survey by Booking.com.

The travel website compiled its rankings based on traveller reviews, with Chester standing out for its hospitality and visitor experience.

Praise from local leaders

Carl Critchlow, CEO of Chester BID, said: “We’re pleased that once again Chester has received its Purple Flag Renewal Accreditation. The accreditation is a testament to the quality of our night-time economy and the dedication of our hospitality businesses, who ensure a safe, welcoming environment for visitors to the city.”

Inspector James Wilson, of Chester Local Policing Unit, welcomed the news and highlighted the close partnership work that keeps Chester safe: “Chester is a great place to visit and officially the most welcoming place in the UK, and I welcome the Purple Flag accreditation given to the city.

“We work closely with all our partners across Chester to ensure those enjoying the night-time economy can do so safely, including Cheshire West and Chester Council, businesses and private security, amongst others. Our officers are committed to protecting our residents and visitors and we will continue working hard to keep Chester safe for everyone.”

Collaborative effort for a safer city

The Purple Flag accreditation is a result of close collaboration between Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester BID, Cheshire Police, Chester Against Business Crime, Pubwatch, the University of Chester, and local residents’ groups.

The Purple Flag programme was developed following the Civic Trust’s Night Vision report in 2006 and is now managed by the Association of Town & City Management.