Eighth Year Running for Night Time Economy Purple Flag Award

Published on: 6 Feb, 2023
Updated on: 7 Feb, 2023

Purple lighting in the High Street to celebrate the Purple Flag award

Guildford has for the eighth year in a row been awarded Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy (ENTE).

The Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am. It is awarded to towns that meet or exceed standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.

Towns awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing:

a vibrant and diverse mix of dining
entertainment and culture
the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents

Cllr John Redpath

GBC’s lead councillor for Economy, Cllr John Redpath (R4GV, Holy Trinity), said: “Huge congratulations to all those that make Guildford town centre such a great place for our evenings and nights out. It is exciting to see residents and visitors to our town enjoying our ever-growing range of restaurants, pubs and bars.

“The Purple Flag is one of the ways that we and our colleagues at Experience Guildford promote our exciting town, ensuring visitors and residents continue to choose Guildford.”

The Guildford submission included:

the range of engaging events;
the strength of our Purple Flag PR;
the work of the SOS bus, a safe space first aid point.

Amanda Masters

Amanda Masters, chief executive at Experience Guildford, said: “We are really proud to gain the Purple Flag accreditation for the eighth year running. Our evening and night-time economy continues to face many challenges. Every venue in Guildford works really hard to ensure that our town continues to be a safe, attractive and vibrant place to visit. Receiving this prestigious award is a great way for us all to celebrate our efforts.”

The Guildford Town Purple Flag Partnership Group (GTPFP) is led by Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford (the town’s Business Improvement District). It includes a broad range of town and county organisations including Surrey Police, the Safer Guildford Partnership, Street Angels and Guildford Pub Watch.