Weymouth celebrates renewal of Purple Flag status for its night-time economy

Weymouth is officially celebrating once more after the town retained the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for managing its evening and night-time economy for 2022.

Weymouth Town Council, working in partnership with We Are Weymouth BID recently showcased the town’s night-time economy to assessors from the Association of Town and City Management. During their visit, assessors highlighted the work of the town pastors, and the success of al fresco dining in creative a positive ambience. Some of the town’s landmarks including the Town Bridge and Jubilee Clock were lit purple on the night.

The award recognises and celebrates the work which has been undertaken in the town to ensure that visitors can have a fun and enjoyable night out between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

Cllr Ann Weaving, Mayor of Weymouth, said: “Weymouth Town Council is proud to have worked in partnership with We Are Weymouth, Dorset Police, Dorset Council, business owners, and our street pastors to retain the Purple Flag accolade for a fifth year. By working together, we are able to ensure that Weymouth continues to offer a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.”

Zach Williams, Operations Assistant at We Are Weymouth, said: “We’re delighted to hear that Weymouth has once again been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag Award. This award is testament to the hard work of businesses and partner agencies in ensuring a safe and vibrant night-time economy, whether you’re visiting for a meal, a few drinks, a night on the tiles or to experience the town’s live-music scene, Weymouth provides a great night-time experience for everyone.” 

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety at Dorset Council, said: “Working with the Town Council and other partners to achieve this award, we are proud of the services we collectively provide to help people feel safe in a vibrant night-time economy. Dorset Council has invested significantly in the town over the last 12 months, from the public realm work at Custom House Quay to the newly designed Railway Station and CCTV installations across the town through the Safer Streets fund, these measures all continue to make a positive difference which we are committed to upholding, going forwards.”

Purple Flag is a town and city centre award, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, which aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres in the evenings and at night.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Purple Flag is an international accreditation programme that aims to reward those who achieve this in their destinations after dark. Purple Flag strives to help create safe and thriving locations between the hours of 5pm and 5am for all users. More details visit https://www.atcm.org/purple-flag

Photo credit: We Are Weymouth