The culmination of this activity was an evening of entertainment at Trinity Square for the public to enjoy including an appearance by local band the Real Monsters who played music with a purple theme culminating in Purple Rain, flash mob dancers and LED Glow Fire Performers. Nottingham BID’s street ambassadors, complete with their new purple bobble hats, were also on hand to give out free purple flags and glowsticks.
The Council House in Old Market Square was also lit up in purple and a purple flag flew from the flag pole on the Council House.
Picture by the Nottingham Post
Having Purple Flag accreditation is important to the city as it confirms that Nottingham is an entertaining, diverse, safe place and enjoyable night out, in a similar way to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. Accreditation is based on a number of core criteria including:
- its appeal with regards to having a good mix of dining venues, pubs and bars and late night venues – both chains and independents - as well as a strong arts and cultural offering;
- accessibility and overall wellbeing
- the location of venues, attractive public spaces and good signage.
Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) is the main driving force behind the city securing Purple Flag accreditation, working in partnership with other organisations in the city. These include Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Police, Community Protection, the Crime and Drugs Partnership, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
There are a number of activities that Nottingham BID spearheads that help the city achieve Purple Flag status. These include the operation of a Best Bar None scheme which this year has seen 85 licensed premises gaining accreditation for being well managed and operated and the presence of taxi marshals who help people get home safely after a night out and the operation of a radio link scheme for the sharing of information.
The BID also helps to fund the street pastors who provide on-street support, helping to look after people who have become vulnerable on a night out. Both the taxi marshals and the street pastors were given purple bobble hats specially for the celebrations.
“This accreditation is important for our city as it shows everyone that Nottingham is a great and safe place for a night out,” said Andy Crawford, a director of Nottingham BID. “Lots of people have really got behind it with lots of social media activity, particularly in connection with the yarnbombing of Goosey, which is proving to be really effective in helping to spread the Purple Flag message.”
Councillor Toby Neal, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Being awarded Purple Flag status for the ninth consecutive year is great for Nottingham as it’s recognition that we’re a city with something for everyone to enjoy on a great, safe night out.”
Said Chief Inspector Donna Lawton...
“This award recognises the sheer hard work, dedication and commitment of many organisations to make Nottinghamshire the place it deserves to be”
Chief Inspector Donna LawtonShe continued “The Nottingham BID is an integral and vital part of this. The Best Bar None scheme is a fantastic example of how every year improvements to the city continue and it becomes an even better place to visit and work in.”
Ellie Cosh, Student Community Liaison Manager at Nottingham Trent University said: “For the city of Nottingham yet again to be awarded the Purple Flag status for its night-time economy and safety is fantastic. This award has also helped NTU to be the first university accredited with the Purple Flag for Universities which is another accolade for NTU, and one for which we’re immensely proud. The experience our students receive during their time in Nottingham and at NTU is of paramount importance to us as an institution, and this award underlines the belief that our students are provided with a safe environment, rich in vibrant experiences and a diverse culture.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said:
“This is good news for Nottingham’s businesses, residents and visitors as it confirms that this vibrant, popular city offers an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out”
Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping“Retaining the Purple Flag status for eight years shows how effective partnership working can be and I would like to thank all those licensed premises within the city who have worked with us so enthusiastically so that people can enjoy a great night out.”
“Securing Purple Flag status for the city of Nottingham for a further year is a great achievement, highlighting the dedicated, combined, efforts that have gone into making Nottingham a safe and enjoyable place for everyone including our students to visit at night,” said Melanie Futur, Manager Of Off Campus Student Affairs at the University of Nottingham.
