Purple Flag Renewed for Fifth Consecutive Year

CQ BID are celebrating the renewal of Belfast City Centre's Purple Flag status for the fifth year in a row. Purple Flag is an accreditation process similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. The accreditation, awarded by the Association of Town and City Management highlights our commitment to a vibrant and safe night-time economy. The renewal was led by the city’s multi-agency Purple Flag steering group, which includes the three Business Improvement Districts— CQ BID, Belfast One and Linen Quarter BID. 

It is widely accepted that a thriving night-time economy depends on safe, reliable travel and this is a key aim of the Purple Flag Group. Stakeholders are calling for urgent investment in bus, rail, and taxi services to enhance safety and accessibility. A year-round service would reinforce Belfast’s Purple Flag commitment and keep the city vibrant after dark.  

Damien Corr, Managing Director of Destination CQ, said that the "3 BIDS and our Purple Flag partners have long campaigned for a better night time service for the City, which has delivered the extended Christmas service over the last few years. The success of this years extended Christmas service, which saw approximately 17,000 passengers using late-night transport across bus and rail networks, demonstrates the clear demand for year-round provision. The Purple Flag Steering Group fully supports calls for enhanced provision – to bring safety and dependability for the workers and the patrons who fuel the night-time economy year-round. I am particularly pleased to report that Translink has now submitted a business case for the creation of a year-round late-night public transport service. CQ BID is committed to working with City Stakeholders to develop and promote the night time economy.