Two of Bath's most famous landmarks The Weir and Pulteney Bridge will be bathed in purple lighting today to mark the launch of Purple Flag Week and to celebrate the renewal of the city's Purple Flag accreditation.
Purple Flag status is an accreditation by the Association of Town and City Managers and is awarded to towns who have impressed with the way they manage their evening and night time economy.
It aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between 5pm to 6am.
Bath was one of the first Cities in the UK to receive this accreditation, and has achieved Purple Flag status for four consecutive years.
The Accreditation has been made possible by support from the Bath Business Improvement District and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
In particular, the Nightwatch scheme and the introduction of city and taxi marshals have made sure people get home safely following a night out and ease pressure on the local emergency services.
Andrew Cooper, chief executive of the Bath Business Improvement District, said: "Once again Bath has proven itself as a safe, diverse and well-run night-time economy.
"Purple Flag Week aims to celebrate these achievements as well as conveying important safety messages that Bath is a thriving night time destination, with a growing reputation as a safe place to enjoy on a night out.
"Bath celebrating its 4th year of Purple Flag accreditation reflects the importance of collaborative working between the Bath BID, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, the police and other agencies, and long may that continue."
Councillor David Dixon, the Council's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "Many people in Bath do take care and drink alcohol responsibly but alcohol related harm is still a serious concern for some, and something we take very seriously.
"Bath's ongoing Purple Flag accreditation shows the importance of the Council and the Bath BID's partnerships, and our joint commitment to tackling alcohol-related issues, making the evening economy safer and more enjoyable for all."
During Bath's Purple Flag Week, which begins this evening and finishes on Sunday October 5, Nightwatch members will be displaying posters at their premises,.
They will be handing out a pocket sized guide that includes tips on how to stay safe, as well as map of the city centre showing the bars participating.
Some of the Nightwatch members will be running special purple drinks promotions and staff will be wearing purple in promotion the week.
