Hot on the heels of being recognised among the world’s top ten most welcoming cities, Chester has managed to retain its Purple Flag status. A Purple Flag city is classed as an urban site with well-managed nightlife that is both safe and lively.
Minister for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, Cllr Christine Warner, commented:
“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.”
Chester will celebrate retaining its status from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16 by illuminating several landmark locations in the city with purple lights. The key sites include Newgate, Chester Town Hall and the famous Eastgate Clock, which is the most photographed clock in Britain after London’s Big Ben.
The Purple Flag was first awarded to the northwest metropolis back in 2018. The criteria for receiving recognition include a good blend of venues, safe travel options to get home, a diverse mixture of culture, dining and entertainment and being welcoming to all and appealing after dark.
There are many benefits for cities and the people who work and live in them associated with acquiring Purple Flag status, like economic growth, enhanced environment, higher visitor numbers and safer standards with less anti-social behaviour and less crime.
Chester’s recent Purple Flag submission received praise for multiple initiatives, like the successful Street Angels trial, robust engagement with residents, and a variety of events offered on its calendar.
