York’s safe and welcoming nightlife recognised with fifth Purple Flag award

York has once again been recognised as one of the UK’s safest and most welcoming evening destinations after securing Purple Flag accreditation for a fifth consecutive year. 

The internationally recognised accreditation celebrates towns and cities that offer a vibrant, safe and well-managed evening and night-time economy. Following a rigorous independent assessment, York exceeded the required standard across all five assessment themes. 

Independent assessors spent time in the city earlier this year, meeting partners and experiencing the evening economy first-hand. During their visit, assessors observed visible local policing, Street Angels, York BID Rangers, Night Safe Officers, Taxi Marshals and Riverside Marshals working across the city centre, describing partnership working as one of York’s key strengths. 

York BID takes the lead on the Purple Flag accreditation for the city.

Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID and Purple Flag Co-ordinator, said: “Purple Flag is recognition of the huge amount of work that takes place across York every day to make our city safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. This award belongs to all the organisations, businesses and volunteers who work together to create a city centre that locals and visitors can enjoy with confidence, whether they’re coming for a family day out, dinner, a cultural experience or a night with friends.”

The report identified York’s ability to blend hospitality, culture, heritage and city living in a way that appeals to people of all ages. Assessors praised everything from the city’s independent businesses and visitor attractions to its easy-to-navigate streets, improved snickelways, public art and creative street furniture projects, noting that these elements help create a vibrant, welcoming and safe city centre after dark. 

Jen Stockwell, Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector for York Inner, said “We are committed to ensuring York remains a safe and welcoming city for all. This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership approach, with police, local authorities, businesses, and volunteers working side by side to prevent crime and ensure people can enjoy everything York has to offer with confidence, both day and night. Achievements like the Purple Flag accreditation demonstrate what can be accomplished when we work together to put public safety at the heart of the city while supporting a thriving and welcoming environment for everyone.”

City of York Council Executive Member for the Environment, Councillor Jenny Kent said: “York’s continued success in securing the Purple Flag award is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the strength of our city centre partnership. York has outstanding local businesses, hospitality venues and a dynamic York BID, and their hard work together with North Yorkshire Police, community organisations and council teams help ensure York remains a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to enjoy an evening out. From our diverse evening economy to our strong focus on safety and inclusivity, York offers something for everyone.”

Assessors also highlighted several initiatives that contribute to York’s success, including the York BID Safety Network, PubWatch, Best Bar None, the Respect Not Regret campaign and support for vulnerable people across the city centre. 

While celebrating the accreditation, partners are already focused on the future. The Purple Flag report encouraged the continued expansion of the Best Bar None scheme, further development of family-friendly activities and ongoing investment in the city’s public spaces and public realm. 

Alongside initiatives such as Family Friendly Saturdays, Street Rangers, Night Safe Officers and the wider York BID Safety Network, partners will continue working together to ensure York remains one of the UK’s leading destinations after dark. 

Purple Flag is awarded by the Association of Town and City Management and is recognised internationally as a mark of excellence for destinations that successfully manage their evening and night-time economies.