A ceremony last week formally recognized Sheffield, Watford, Southend, Ipswich, Lincoln and Aberystwyth, Wales’ and brings the total number of Purple Flag holders to 31.
Purple Flag is an award for town and city centres, backed by Government, police and business, and funded by Diageo. In order to receive the award, towns and cities are required to be welcoming to all visitors and provide a diverse mix of leisure and entertainment facilities, restaurants and bars which accommodate people of all ages.
They must also offer safe ways for visitors to travel home after a night out. Purple Flag accredited towns and cities can expect to receive more visitors and benefit from reduced crime and anti-social behaviour levels.
Philip Kolvin QC, chairman of the Purple Flag board, said: “Rewarding the success of further towns and cities attaining Purple Flag status is an occasion to celebrate. The initiative is actively making a difference to towns and cities up and down the UK, which is hugely important for the communities who live there and for their visitors.”