Leicester has been recognised for its night-time safety for the sixth year in a row by a national scheme.
The Purple Flag award celebrates towns and cities that offer a safe, welcoming, and vibrant night-time experience, with a focus on safety, diversity, and well-managed city life after dark.
The prestigious accreditation is awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) and is regarded as the international benchmark for excellence in managing evening and night-time destinations.
Sarah Thomson, principle partnerships officer at DMU, said: “Retaining Purple Flag status for the sixth year in a row is a strong endorsement of Leicester as a safe, welcoming city after dark.
“It reflects the strength of partnership working across the city and the collective commitment to ensuring students, alongside residents and visitors, can confidently access and enjoy Leicester’s night-time offer. Congratulations to the businesses and organisations involved in achieving this recognition.”
Purple Flag assessors spent the night in Leicester and said the city met, and in some areas exceeded the required standards across five key areas, including safety, transport, nightlife, and how the city is run.
The city was praised for its safe and well-managed environment, including proactive policing, strong partnerships between local authorities and businesses, comprehensive CCTV coverage, accessible transport, and the availability of taxis and parking options.
Leicester’s vibrant nightlife was also highlighted, from its growing international food scene and wide variety of pubs and bars to its thriving arts and cultural scene.
Key venues like Curve Theatre, Phoenix Cinema, and Art Centre were highlighted, along with independent music and performance spaces that give Leicester its unique night-time character.
The award recognises the city’s collaborative efforts by businesses, cultural venues, transport providers, and emergency services in keeping Leicester a safe, welcoming place for students, residents, and visitors alike.
Leicester joins around 90 destinations across the UK and Ireland with Purple Flag status, alongside cities such as Liverpool, Sheffield, Belfast, and Nottingham.
Posted on Thursday 26 February 2026