Leeds retains prestigious Purple Flag status for third successive year

A prestigious award recognising a city’s excellence in managing its evening and night time economy has been awarded to Leeds for a fantastic third year in a row.

In granting Leeds a Purple Flag, the award which is accredited by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), recognises and celebrates the work which has been undertaken in the city to ensure that visitors can have a fun and enjoyable evening night out between the hours of 5pm-5am. The criteria which is assessed includes; general management; vibrancy; diversity; safety; cleanliness; general and high level of commitment to providing people with a positive visitor experience.

A key element in Leeds retaining its Purple Flag status has once again been the positive and joined up approach displayed by a wide range of partners including Leeds City Council, LeedsBID, Business Against Crime in Leeds (BACIL) and West Yorkshire Police who are involved in the day-to-day management of the city’s evening economy. Initiatives include the introduction by Leeds City Council of a dedicated Street Support Team, the continued good work of evening ambassadors providing help and advice to visitors and close partnership support with groups such as Leeds Street Angels and the Angels of Freedom that work closely with the LGBT+ community.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said:

“We are delighted and extremely proud that Leeds has been awarded Purple Flag status for a third successive year.

“This really is a tremendous achievement and recognition of the positive and excellent work that is being undertaken by so many partners on a daily basis to make sure that the Leeds night time economy is for visitors, attractive, diverse and safe.”

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said:

“This is indeed great news for Leeds, our city centre levy payers and all partners who have worked hard to once again ensure we have retained this important accolade.”

“This award is credit to the partner organisations involved who collaborate to ensure Leeds continues to provide an enjoyable experience for all, from the strength and variety of its offer to maintaining a well-managed experience.”

Leeds City Inspector Andrew Berriman, West Yorkshire Police, said:

“I am delighted that Leeds has been awarded Purple Flag status for the third consecutive year, recognising the city as being a safe and well managed where visitors can enjoy the diverse evening and night time economy. There is a strong partnership here in Leeds with statutory agencies and support from voluntary groups, all of whom are passionate about the city and are working tirelessly to ensure Leeds continues to be a safe, compassionate city.”

Notes to editors:

Partners working in the night time economy include; City Centre Management, Leeds City Council, LeedsBID, Safer Leeds, Leeds City Council, Licensing Team, LeedsWatch, Leeds City Council, Taxi & Private Hire Team, Leeds City Council, Highways Team, Leeds City Council, Visit Leeds, Safer Leeds, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, British Transport Police, BACIL, Leeds Public Health, Leeds Street Angels, Leeds Freedom Angels (LGBTQ)

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk