Flagging up Leeds for a top night out

For the second year running the city has been granted ‘Purple Flag’ status which is for excellence in managing its evening and night time economy between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

From cocktails to cultured evenings at the theatre and late night shopping, evening events are evaluated against a number of key themes including place, appeal, wellbeing, movement and safety.

Work on achieving and retaining the award is led by LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) and Leeds City Council in conjunction with several key partners such as the police, Leeds Pubwatch, the ambulance service and Visit Leeds.

LeedsBID Chief Executive Andrew Cooper said: “The award is the result of continuous hard work, great collaboration and an ambition for Leeds city centre to provide a strong and varied offer, a well-managed environment and an enjoyable experience for all.”

“LeedsBID focuses on enhancing the city centre for the benefit of those who come to live, work and play here, and the evening and night time offering is an integral part of the city centre experience and economy – which we continue to look to strengthen and improve.”

The Purple Flag status has led to the Leeds Evening Ambassadors scheme.

The new team, primarily funded by LeedsBID with support from Leeds City Council and Business Against Crime in Leeds, has had professional security training and are out and about in the city centre on Friday and Saturday evenings until the early hours and work alongside other organisations to help ensure Leeds is an attractive, welcoming and safe place to be.