Purple Flag is a gold-standard accreditation recognising Waterford as a safe, welcoming and friendly destination in which to live, work, and socialise. It is the international benchmark for a well-managed city centre evening and night-time economy similar to the Blue Flag for beaches.
Purple Flag
What is Purple Flag?
Waterford first achieved Purple Flag status in February 2015 and is proud to have retained the accreditation again in 2025, demonstrating its continued commitment to providing a vibrant, safe, and inclusive city centre after dark.
The award recognises excellence in the management of the evening and night-time economy and highlights the wide range of offerings available in Waterford after 5pm. Within the city’s compact and vibrant Purple Flag Zone, you’ll find family entertainment, arts and culture venues, shopping, dining, pubs, nightclubs, accommodation, and transport, something for everyone.
Each year, Waterford is reassessed by the Association of City & Town Management (ACTM) under rigorous standards, including:
- Cleanliness and upkeep of public spaces
- Accessibility and ease of travel to and from the city centre
- Diversity and quality of entertainment, leisure, arts & culture venues
- How welcoming and vibrant the city feels
- Safety and security for residents and visitors
- The strength of partnerships between agencies, venues, and businesses within the Purple Flag Zone
'Ask for Angela' Campaign
As part of the Purple Flag initiative, Waterford City & County Council, in partnership with SETU Students’ Union (formerly WIT) and local venues, launched the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign, a discreet safety initiative designed to help anyone feeling unsafe while on a night out.
The campaign provides a simple code word: if someone feels uncomfortable or at risk, they can approach a member of staff in participating venues and “Ask for Angela.” This signals that help is needed, allowing staff to safely and discreetly assist the person out of the situation.
The Chair of the Purple Flag Working Group noted that “the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign offers real assurance that informed assistance is available when needed. We greatly appreciate the support shown by local venues in helping to make Waterford a safer and more welcoming city for everyone.”
The President of the Students’ Union added that “the campaign empowers people to discreetly ask for help and enables trained venue staff to respond appropriately. It’s encouraging to see so many local businesses united in their commitment to protecting those who may find themselves in vulnerable or distressing situations.”
Originally developed by Hayley Child in Lincolnshire, England (2016), the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign has since gained global recognition as an effective initiative for improving safety in social settings and now forms a key part of Waterford’s Purple Flag success.
Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Grant Scheme
To further support the evening and night-time economy within the Purple Flag Zone, Waterford City & County Council launched a Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Grant Scheme in 2025. This initiative encourages cultural, creative, and community activity during off-peak hours (Sunday to Thursday after 5 pm), helping to diversify and strengthen Waterford’s night-time offering.
Key Details:
- Grants of €500 – €1,000 are available to artists, venues, community groups, and businesses to host creative evening events such as live performances, workshops, exhibitions, and guided tours.
- Collaborative applications are encouraged.
- Supported events run from September 4 – November 13 2025, Sunday – Thursday evenings, within the Purple Flag Zone.
- The scheme has received a strong response, with exciting events planned across autumn to energise Waterford’s mid-week nights and support local enterprise.
This grant programme directly supports the goals of the Purple Flag, promoting a vibrant, safe, and inclusive evening economy, boosting footfall, and showcasing local talent.
Applications for the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Grant Scheme are now closed.
Goals of the Purple Flag & NTE Programme
The Purple Flag framework helps ensure Waterford’s city centre remains vibrant, safe, and open for all. Collaboration is key, local businesses, cultural organisations, and public agencies work together to sustain the evening and night-time economy.
- Achieving and retaining the Purple Flag brings many benefits:
- Raises Waterford’s national and international profile
- Increases visitor confidence and city-centre footfall
- Supports the local economy and strengthens community pride
- Enhances Waterford’s reputation as Ireland’s leading evening and night-time destination
Waterford’s designated Purple Flag Zone extends from Rice Bridge along the scenic River Suir Boardwalk to Reginald’s Tower (Ireland’s oldest civic urban structure). It includes the award-winning Viking Triangle and the city’s cultural and heritage quarter, continuing along The Mall to John Street and The Apple Market. The zone also covers Railway Square, Michael Street, John Roberts Square, and Ballybricken, linking via George’s Street and O’Connell Street back to The Quay at Hanover Street.
Contacts
Local Co-ordinator: gerald.hurley@waterfordchamber.ie
Chair of Working Group: Jim Gordon
Administrator: Julie Walsh juliewalsh@waterfordcouncil.ie
