The town centre has been recognised by the Purple Flag assessors for providing evenings and nights out that are safe, vibrant and varied for all. It remains the only town in the county and one of around 70 in the UK to hold the award.
The Purple Flag accreditation is similar to Blue Flag for beaches or Green Flags for parks (for which eight of our parks and countryside sites have received this award). It’s a mark the public can trust when choosing where to visit. Purple flag for nights out, Blue for the seaside and Green for parks and countryside.
The Guildford Town Purple Flag Partnership Group (GTPFP) is led by Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford (the town’s Business Improvement District). It includes a broad range of town and county organisations including Surrey Police, the Safer Guildford Partnership, Street Angels and Guildford Pub Watch.
Lead Councillor for Environment, Cllr James Steel, said:
“Congratulations to those who make Guildford town centre a great place for our evenings and nights out. It is important that we continue to ensure our town centre events, music venues, theatres, bars and restaurants are a safe, vibrant places to visit in the evenings.”
Lead Councillor for Economy, Cllr John Redpath, said:
“Our hospitality businesses have had a very difficult time throughout the past two years. It is exciting to see residents and visitors enjoying our ever-growing range of restaurants, pubs and bars again and the delicious foods and drinks they have to offer. The Purple Flag is one of the ways we promote our exciting historic town, ensuring visitors and residents continue to choose Guildford.”
Amanda Masters, Chief Executive Officer at Experience Guildford, said:
“Gaining Purple Flag accreditation this year is a huge testament to the resolve of the pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs in the evening and night-time economy who have pulled through excessive hardship over the past two years to retain the utmost professionalism in making Guildford a safe and vibrant place to come.
“Guildford’s venues have risen to the challenges they have faced, and we are extremely proud to remain the only town in Surrey to be able to claim this prestigious award.”
You can support Guildford’s evening and night-time economy by celebrating the vibrant, safe and welcoming destination, for all ages and interests. Share your experiences with us using #ChooseGuildford.
