Purple Flag Awareness Month: Celebrating 11 years in Cheltenham

This October, communities across the UK and Ireland are lighting up in celebration of Purple Flag Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative recognising towns and cities that offer safe, welcoming, and enjoyable evening and night-time experiences.

The Purple Flag accreditation, awarded by the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM), is the gold standard for night-time destinations. It celebrates places that excel in safety, diversity, cleanliness, and vibrancy after dark, ensuring residents and visitors alike can enjoy evenings with confidence.

Cheltenham has officially been a Purple Flag town since 2016, demonstrating our commitment to providing a safe and vibrant evening out.

Purple Flag status is more than just an award. The status is a commitment to creating thriving night-time economies where people feel secure, businesses flourish, and cultural life thrives. From bustling restaurants and theatres to well-managed public spaces, Purple Flag towns and cities demonstrate that a great night out doesn’t have to compromise safety or inclusivity.

Throughout Purple Flag Awareness Month, we’re asking local businesses that operate within the Evening and Night-time Economy (ENTE: between the hours of 5pm and 5am) to offer lighting displays to showcase our town. The Queens Hotel, Home and Botanic, and Mr. Cambray’s are all shining bright in purple to honour Purple Flag Awareness Month. We would like to express our gratitude to these establishments for their support.

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety & communities, said: "Purple Flag status is a testament to the hard work of our community, businesses, and local authorities. It shows that we can offer vibrant nightlife while making sure our town - especially the town centre - is safe for everyone."

Julie Reader-Sullivan, Cheltenham BID said: “Purple Flag status is an important recognition of the work our businesses and partners do to create a safe, welcoming and vibrant evening and night-time economy.

“It’s a real reflection of the collaboration across Cheltenham and the shared commitment to making our town a great place to spend time during the evening hours."

If any other businesses wish to "light up" or decorate in purple, please email our licensing team at licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk, and we’ll promote you on our social media!

For more information about Purple Flag and participating towns, visit www.atcm.org/purpleflag

#PurpleFlagMonth

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email communications@cheltenham.gov.uk

Purple Flag Awareness Month: Celebrating 11 years in Cheltenham

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