Worcester secures 'prestigious accreditation' for safe night-time economy for fifth consecutive year
The city has been awarded Purple Flag status for another year, after first getting it back in 2022
Last updated 9th Oct 2026
A Worcester organisation has said it's "amazing" to see the city recognised once again for having a welcoming and well-managed evening and night-time economy.
The area has secured Purple Flag status for a fifth year running, which is awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) to places across the country and the world, including in the likes of Australia.
The renewal of it has been led by the Worcester Business Improvement District (Worcester BID), who worked alongside Worcester City Council, West Mercia Police, Worcester Street Pastors and Worcestershire Regulatory Services to showcase the ongoing work to keep the place safe and inviting.
It's amazing for the city centre,” said Sam McCarthy, chief executive of Worcester BID.
"From a national point of view, it puts us on the map as a safe, vibrant city to go to.
"It’s all down to our partners, we've got some incredible partnerships in place ensuring everyone is safe to come to the city."
The city first secured the accreditation in 2022, with this year's assessors praising things such as the walkway linking Foregate Street train station with the riverside and the University of Worcester’s city campus.
They also highlighted the city's Safe Space, which was created in 2023 as a new Worcester BID programme to reduce the strain on the NHS in the A&E department during night-time economy hours, using a mobile van based in the centre where people can go to receive the likes of first aid care.
It initially operated on Friday and Saturday nights between the hours of 10pm and 4am and on a Wednesday, but has expanded in recent times to also cover daytime hours.
"The safe space is coming up to its 3-year anniversary now, and that's having 2 paramedics out in the night-time economy, between 10pm and 4am," McCarthy said.
"They’re just to support and to help whatever you need, whether it's medical, welfare, a cup of tea, someone to talk to, and that has been a standout for the last three years from the assessments."
Bottles Wine Bar, which has been based in the city for over a decade, was one of the businesses who were delighted to see it be given Purple Flag status again.
The business on New Street was also recognised earlier this year for its work to manage its premises responsibly and contribute towards building a safe night-time economy by receiving the national Best Bar None accreditation.
Their operations manager Hannah Webb said: "it's just wonderful seeing the city go from strength to strength.
"We've got a real community, especially amongst the independents in Worcester, and I think everybody just has the same goal and that's clearly evident since we've got the award again."
Assessors for the Purple Flag status also picked out the Scala and Corn Exchange regeneration projects as 'important opportunities to revitalise key spaces and strengthen Worcester’s growing arts and cultural offer'.