Exeter City Centre awarded for safe and vibrant night-time economy

Exeter city centre has been awarded Purple Flag accreditation, an internationally recognised standard recognising excellence in the management of the evening and night-time economy.

The accreditation, managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), assesses how town and city centres operate between 5pm and 5am, focusing on safety, movement, appeal and place management. 

There are more than 90 Purple Flag destinations worldwide, across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand and Australia, and the scheme has represented the gold standard in night-time economy management for 16 years.

Exeter’s first successful Purple Flag application followed an independent external assessment by ATCM and was led by InExeter, the city centre’s Business Improvement District, working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police, Exeter City Council, Exeter College, the University of Exeter, transport providers, cultural venues and local businesses.

ATCM commended Exeter’s application for its diverse evening and night-time offer, strong partnership working and focus on safety and wellbeing.

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Nicola Wheeler, chief executive of InExeter, said the award reflected the collective effort of businesses and partners across the city.

“We’re absolutely delighted that Exeter has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation,” she said. 

“This achievement highlights Exeter as an exceptional city for a night out. Our businesses and partners are committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all who come to enjoy the evening atmosphere.” 

“Exeter offers an outstanding and vibrant night-time experience for people of all ages, with an ever-growing programme of diverse events and activities.”

Purple Flag status recognises places where people can enjoy a night out with confidence, supported by visible policing, transport options, coordinated management and a range of activities beyond traditional drinking-led venues.

Exeter City Council said investment in CCTV infrastructure has strengthened safety in the city centre during evening and night-time hours.

Councillor Laura Wright, deputy leader of Exeter City Council and lead councillor for community safety and the city centre, said: “Our investment in CCTV has significantly strengthened safety in Exeter.”

“Extensive high-definition coverage and 24/7 monitoring from the city’s control room provide real reassurance for people enjoying the evening and nighttime economy, while supporting rapid partnership responses when it matters most.”

Exeter’s night-time economy includes theatres, live music venues, museums, restaurants, cultural events and public spaces, alongside bars and late-night venues.

Patrick Cunningham, director at Exeter Phoenix, said the city’s cultural offer plays a central role in its appeal after dark.

“Exeter is the cultural heartbeat of the South West, a city where creativity thrives after dark,” he said. 

“From live music and comedy to independent film and immersive arts experiences, our programming offers something truly unique.” 

“What sets Exeter apart is the rich mix of independent venues that create nights out you simply won’t find anywhere else. This diversity makes Exeter not just a destination, but a community of culture.”

InExeter has supported city centre businesses since 2015 and will continue for a third term from April 2025 to March 2030, following a successful ballot in November 2024. 

Business Improvement Districts are business-led partnerships formed through a ballot process to deliver additional services and projects for local businesses.

“Safe and Secure” is a strategic objective in InExeter’s 2025–2030 business plan, with the organisation committing to continued support for the evening and night-time economy through initiatives including Purple Flag accreditation.

Exeter’s Purple Flag status will be reviewed annually, with partners expected to continue investing in safety, transport, communication and partnership working to maintain the standard.