Bournemouth | Posted on October 31st, 2025 | return to news

Purple flag for Bournemouth

Bournemouth has once again been recognised for the success and safety of its night-time economy.

For the 15th consecutive year, the town centre has been awarded the Purple Flag — an international accreditation programme run by the Association of Town and City Management.

Similar to the Blue Flag scheme for beaches, the Purple Flag recognises and rewards excellence, taking into account everything from the range of entertainment, dining and cultural options between 5pm and 5am, to the standards of management and safety practices.

The submission was spearheaded by Bournemouth Town Centre BID, in partnership with BCP Council, Dorset Police, Townwatch, Bournemouth Pastors, Bournemouth University (BU), Morebus, and other local partners.

Key strengths in Bournemouth’s submission included strong, unified partnerships between local organisations with a shared vision for the town, alongside fresh ideas and ongoing collaboration.

Victoria Sheppard, Secretary of Townwatch and Night-Time Economy Co-ordinator for the Town Centre BID, said: “Over the past year we’ve supported even stronger links between businesses, the BID, Dorset Police and BCP Council – working together and sharing ideas has helped us drive improvements and support a safe and successful town centre – as the Purple Flag confirms.”

Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for community safety, said: “This award speaks to the strong partnership working and commitment to visitor wellbeing we have as a collective. This award shows Bournemouth, and our thriving night time economy, as a place where residents and visitors can feel safe and welcome on an enjoyable night out.”

The coordinated approach brings together police and local businesses, including through safety schemes such as SentrySIS, an online crime reporting and monitoring platform that helps businesses and partners share intelligence and respond quickly to incidents.”

Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer for Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “From our flagship events to our diverse venues and coordinated safety measures, we have a fantastic night-time offer in Bournemouth Town Centre.

“To retain Purple Flag status for the 15th year is a huge achievement and reflects the energy and commitment shown by all our partners. Their creativity and leadership ensure varied, safe and enjoyable evenings out for everyone.”

The Purple Flag assessment of the night-time economy considers not only the appeal of bars, clubs and eateries, but also theatres, entertainment venues and cultural events. It also looks at wider place management, including planning, collaboration around transport, and visitor wellbeing.

David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Being awarded the Purple Flag is a testament to Bournemouth’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. This recognition highlights the efforts of our local communities, businesses, and police to ensure that our town remains a place where people can enjoy themselves with confidence, day or night.”

Esther Isaiah, president of the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU), said: “Bournemouth’s Purple Flag status is incredibly important to the university community. When students are choosing where to study, the nightlife and wider town environment plays a huge role within this decision, and parents want to know that their loved one will be safe whilst enjoying everything the town has to offer.

“This award shows that Bournemouth delivers both a welcoming, lively nightlife, supported by strong partnerships that prioritise safety and wellbeing.”

Temporary Chief Inspector Barry Gosling of Neighbourhood Policing in BCP, said: “The Purple Flag renewal is testament to the value of effective partnership working. Systems like SentrySIS, combined with visible and coordinated policing, help us keep the town safe after dark. Working hand in hand with the BID, Townwatch, BCP Council and others ensures Bournemouth Town Centre’s nightlife can be enjoyed in a secure environment.”

Bournemouth is one of 100 Purple Flag destinations around the globe, across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand and Australia, from world-renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.