Reading: Night-time economy achieves Purple Flag status

Reading has achieved the prestigious Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy in the town centre. 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 between the hours of 5pm and 5am. 

Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.The submission for Purple Flag status was led by Reading Business Improvement District (BID) along with key stakeholders including Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police, Street Pastors, Pub Watch and the University of Reading. The application was followed up by a 12-hour all-night visit by an inspection team in the run up to Christmas.

Graham Mountford, chair of Reading BID, said: “Reading town centre’s night-time businesses play an important role in Reading’s economic success. Obtaining Purple Flag accreditation for the excellence of the management of these businesses and the surrounding town centre environment has been a key objective for the current Business Improvement District group.” 

Tony Page, deputy leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Purple Flag status is recognition of what our residents and people from across the wider region have known for some time – that there are few places in the South East to match Reading town centre for its evening and night-time offering.”

Since 2007, the Purple Flag status has been awarded to over 65 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland. Purple Flag accredited areas have all reported a consistent increase in footfall and a decrease in crime. The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) which works alongside a partnership of key stakeholder groups backed by government, police and businesses, as well as by the UK sponsors Diageo Great Britain.