Blackpool pushes on with prestigious Purple Flag bid to demonstrate safe and vibrant night-time economy
“We want Blackpool to feel safe, welcoming and inclusive for people enjoying our evening and night-time economy.”
Blackpool has stepped up its campaign to attain prestigious Purple Flag status and gain recognition as having a night-time economy that meets high standards of safety, vibrancy, and management.
As the town bids for the City of Culture 2029 accolade after achieving the short list, the Purple Flag status is seen as going hand in hand with that attainment.
Over the past year Blackpool Council has been actively working with other partners toward achieving the international accreditation - and now it has appointed a designated ENTE (evening and night-time economy) Manager specifically for the project.
The status would provide a welcome boost for Blackpool, which has long been acknowledged as Britain’s premier seaside resort and draws in more than 20 million visitors a year.
What the council says
Cllr Dave Flanagan, cabinet member for public protection, said: “We want Blackpool to feel safe, welcoming and inclusive for people enjoying our evening and night-time economy (ENTE).
“Purple Flag reflects and promotes excellence in the management of the ENTE. Securing this status would demonstrate how we focus on safety, inclusivity, effective place management, and partnership working in Blackpool.
“It would also support our wider ambitions for town centre regeneration, public safety, economic growth and improving the visitor experience.
“To support our ambition, we’ve recently appointed an ENTE Manager. Seeing the success that areas like Liverpool have had in this respect, we’ve brought in an experienced, independent lead to help us to engage with businesses, partners and other stakeholders.
“We’re now working closely with a wide range of partners to make this work, from Blackpool Transport and Lancashire Police to security providers and takeaway owners.”
If successful, Blackpool would join neighbouring communities such as Preston and Wigan which already have Purple Flag status.
How to achieve Purple Flag status
A town or city gains Purple Flag status by meeting or surpassing a comprehensive set of standards for managing its evening and night-time economy, from the early evening to the early hours of the morning.
The accreditation scheme is run and governed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM).
To achieve the award, a destination puts together a plan and is evaluated across five core standards:
*Policy: A clear, research-backed after-hours strategy supported by integrated public policy and a strong, multi-sector partnership (such as local councils, police, and businesses).
*Wellbeing: A safe and welcoming environment where all sectors contribute to high standards of customer care, public safety, and initiatives that protect visitors.
*Movement: Safe transport options for getting home after an evening out, alongside safe, easy pedestrian movement around the centre.
*Appeal: A vibrant, diverse choice of dining, culture, and entertainment catering to a broad range of ages, groups, lifestyles, and cultures.
*Place: A blend of overlapping activities and strong character, identity, and creative urban design that encourages people to mingle and enjoy the environment.