Night time economy - Purple Flag

Derby has been proudly flying the Purple Flag since July 2013 - a national accreditation recognising towns and cities with safe, welcoming, and well-managed night-time economies. Think of it as the Blue Flag for beaches or the Green Flag for parks, but for vibrant, after-dark city life.

The Purple Flag is only awarded to places that welcome everyone, offer safe travel home, showcase a great mix of venues, and create an appealing atmosphere after dark. For Derby, this means a city centre that’s not just lively, but safe - thanks to years of hard work by local businesses, community leaders, and city authorities.

This commitment has brought more visitors, reduced crime and anti-social behaviour, and boosted confidence in Derby’s night-time scene. From visible policing by Derbyshire Police to coordinated city centre management by the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and from student safety programmes led by the University of Derby to late-night shopping and events at Derbion - the city’s efforts are broad and deeply collaborative. 

What makes Derby a Purple Flag city?

Purple Flag was created by the ATCM (Association of Town & City Management) to help members of the public quickly identify safe towns and city centres.

As a Purple Flag city, Derby meets the five core standards required in excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy:

1. The Policy Envelope: An after-hours policy that shows a clear strategy based on sound research, integrated public policy and a successful multi-sector partnership.
2. Wellbeing: A safe and welcoming destination with all sectors playing their part in delivering high standards of customer care.
3. Movement: Getting home safely after an evening out is crucial, as is the ability to move around the centre on foot with ease.
4. Appeal: A vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.
5. Place: Areas of the city are alive during the day, as well as in the evening. They contain a blend of overlapping activities that encourage people to mingle and enjoy the place. They reinforce the character and identity of the area as well as flair and imagination in urban design for the night.

Derby's nightlife is stewarded by a team of workers and volunteers who work together to ensure a Purple Flag experience, including:

• Street pastors: members of the public who are on call every weekend to support anyone experiencing a non critical emergency.
• Taxi marshals: who will help you get home quickly and be safe while you wait.
• Licensing officers, Derbyshire Police, door staff, ambulance crews and CCTV operators.