Hull’s ‘better night out’ earns it second award

The city has secured a Purple Flag for a second year in a scheme run by the Association of Town Centre Management, Europe’s largest membership organisation, and aims to reward those who provide “a better night out” for visitors.

The national initiative is similar to the Blue Flag accreditation for good beaches.

Assessors praised new features in the city including the swing bridge over the River Hull, the City of Culture award and a “vibrant” programme of festivals. The report noted a fall in violent crime and a reduction in the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions and said improving perceptions from residents and visitors were “hugely encouraging”.

Inspectors added: “There has been a great deal of improvements to the night-time economy, despite the harsh economic climate, such as the public realm improvements, developments being completed, the number of events and activities taking place. We hope there will be more in the year to come with proposed initiatives to be implemented and completed.”

The successful Purple Flag campaign was led by a partnership which includes HullBID, Hull Council, Humberside Police, Hull Citysafe, the NHS and businesses.

Hull Council’s leader Steve Brady said: “I am pleased the city has retained its Purple Flag status and this, along with being named City of Culture 2017, highlights that Hull is being recognised for what it has to offer. I am also pleased assessors highlighted the City Plan, City of Culture bid, Freedom Festival, Scale Lane Bridge and Old Town pedestrian pilot as significant contributors to making the city vibrant and diverse, safe and well managed.

“We will be building on the exciting cultural offering and night time economy as we continue our journey to make Hull a prime visitor destination.”