Bournemouth awarded Purple Flag accreditation for 2021/22

The town of Bournemouth has been awarded Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy again for 2021/22.

Bournemouth first won the prestigious award back in 2010, and it is given to those recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.

The accreditation, which is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), aims to broaden the appeal of town and city centre from the hours of 17:00 and 05:00, as well as raise the standard of that area.

This is based on the Purple Flag’s five main agenda themes of Wellbeing, Movement, Appeal, Place and Policy Envelope.

Kevin Scott, local Bournemouth DJ and CEO of Hot Radio, speaks to BUzz Bournemouth about this fantastic achievement:

“Bournemouth has been at the forefront of the nightclub scene for many, many years,” he said.

“It [Bournemouth] is a safer place to club than some other places in the country, there is a huge music scene. Sadly that was dented by the pandemic but hopefully people will realise soon that there are safe environments out there,” Scott added.

Usually, accredited areas have all reported a consistent decrease in crime and increase in footfall – within the Evening and Night Time Economy (ENTE).

Since 2007, the programme has awarded the Purple Flag status to over 70 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland.

The Purple Flag status should not only boost tourism for Bournemouth, but also provide the town’s citizens with extra comfortability to go out in the evenings and enjoy themselves.

Councillor Bobbie Dove, the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, told BCP council that this award “reflects the continued efforts of local businesses, members of the community and everyone involved in making our evening and nightlife some of the most vibrant, diverse, and well-respected in the UK.”

“It also highlights the continued steps taken by the council, law enforcement and businesses to ensure our evening and time economy is some of the most safe and secure for visitors to enjoy,” she added.