Halifax’s Purple Flag: A Celebration of Safe and Vibrant Nights
There’s something special about Halifax when the sun goes down. Whether it’s the buzz of live music spilling out onto the streets, the warmth of familiar faces in cosy pubs, or the thrill of a night at the theatre, the town centre comes alive in its own unique way. And now, from March 21st to March 30th, we’re putting the spotlight on what makes our nightlife not just exciting, but safe and welcoming too—Halifax’s Purple Flag accreditation.
For 15 years, Halifax has proudly held this prestigious national award, a recognition given to towns and cities that offer a well-managed, safe, and diverse night out. In 2010, Halifax became the first town in the north of England to achieve Purple Flag status, and since then, it has retained the accreditation year after year.
The status is awarded to places that demonstrate strong public safety measures, an inclusive and diverse range of venues, easy access to late-night transport, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a stamp of approval that reflects the hard work of local businesses, West Yorkshire Police, Halifax Street Angels, Calderdale Council, and Discover Halifax, who all play a key role in maintaining Halifax’s thriving night-time economy.
A Community Effort
Retaining Purple Flag status isn’t just a one-off achievement; it’s a commitment that Halifax’s businesses, local authorities, and community groups uphold year after year. Halifax Street Angels alone provide around 13,000 volunteer hours annually, supporting approximately 3,000 people who may need assistance on a night out.
Lisa Sharp from Halifax Street Angels explains: “We are a charity working in Halifax Town Centre on Saturday evenings to meet the needs of those who have become vulnerable on a night out. We work to support anyone in need and are extremely proud to be part of this campaign, which highlights the night-time economy and the ongoing efforts to ensure a safer night out for everyone.”
Behind the scenes, Calderdale Council’s Community Safety Team, led by Donna Norman and Caitlin Sheard, work tirelessly to manage the application process and ensure Halifax meets and exceeds the high standards required for accreditation.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said: “As part of our priority for thriving towns and places, we’re happy to support this campaign in Halifax, highlighting the town’s Purple Flag status and celebrating the great restaurants, bars, and venues that are part of the night-time economy. Along with our partners, we do all we can to ensure our towns and communities are safe and welcoming places to visit in the evening and at night.”
Shouting About What Makes Halifax Great
Too often, the conversation around nightlife focuses on negatives. But Purple Flag Week is about changing the narrative and celebrating what Halifax does best. We have an incredibly diverse night-time economy, from intimate cocktail bars and historic pubs to bustling music venues and restaurants that showcase everything from traditional Yorkshire dishes to global flavours.
Martin Norris, Chairman of Halifax Pubwatch, added: “We are extremely proud to be part of this campaign, which highlights the night-time economy and the ongoing efforts to ensure a safer night out for everyone. Halifax boasts a diverse range of businesses in this sector, and we are pleased that, by working together with key partners in the town, we can continue to support these initiatives year after year.”
Throughout the campaign, businesses across the town will be flying the flag—literally! The Purple Flag will be flying above Halifax Town Hall, and businesses will be displaying posters and sharing details on their social media accounts to spread the message.
More Than Just a Badge
Purple Flag isn’t just an accreditation—it’s a reflection of Halifax’s identity. It represents the hard work that goes into making our town a place where people want to spend their evenings, knowing they’ll have a great time in a safe and welcoming setting.
Simon Jackson, Vice Chair of Pubwatch and owner of Acapulco, said: “Too often, people focus on the negatives without knowing the full story. Halifax has so much to shout about. This Purple Flag is a testament to the hard work of Pubwatch and our partners. We are proud to show that Halifax is not just historic but also a thriving, safe place to enjoy a great night out.”
Natalie Shaw, Project Manager at Discover Halifax, agrees: “We are incredibly proud to be able to promote and celebrate Halifax’s Purple Flag status, showcasing the fantastic night-time experience our town has to offer. Our vibrant night-time economy boasts everything from dining and live theatre to concerts and lively pubs and nightclubs. This campaign is not just about showcasing our accreditation—it’s about celebrating our town, promoting all that Halifax has to offer, and sharing positive messages.”
Looking ahead, Discover Halifax also plans to run a similar campaign in October, which is officially recognised as Purple Flag Month.
So, whether you’re planning a theatre trip, a meal out with friends, or a night on the dance floor, Purple Flag Week is the perfect time to rediscover what makes Halifax after dark so special. Let’s celebrate our town, its people, and the efforts that go into making every night out a great one.
Join the conversation by using #PurpleFlagHalifax and share your favourite night-time spots—we’d love to hear what makes Halifax your go-to place for an evening out!
