Stockport has been recognised as having a 'vibrant night-time economy' by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). 

Specifically, the ATCM has awarded Stockport 'Purple Flag' accreditation. This means that the organisation feels the town has met certain 'standards of excellence' in managing the night-time economy. 

Some of the ATCM's criteria for judging the night-time economy include:

• Safety - is the area safe, both during the night out and coming home?
• Appeal - is there a vibrant range of options for visitors?
• Place - is there 'character and identity' in the area? 

Art Battle is just one night-time event in Stockport which draws visitors from far and wide (Image - Alasdair Perry)

To receive a Purple Flag, applicants must apply to ATCM and maintain the standards it sets. This is not Stockport's first time to receive the award - more accurately, this recent Purple Flag 'award' is in fact a reconfirmation of the status already held by the town. 

Universities, civic societies, and local authorities such as Stockport can all apply. There are around 100 other Purple Flag destinations, most of them in the UK. 

Others include Bristol, Winchester, and Bournemouth. 

Stockport Council argues: "Key successes in Stockport's submission included the clear drive and passion demonstrated through becoming Town of Culture for 2023, strong engagement with partners including the police, and the wide range of events on offer, providing something for everyone to enjoy."

Cllr Colin MacAlister, Rhys Owen, and Nicola Wood celebrate the retention of the Purple Flag accolade (Image - Stockport Council)

Councillor Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: "The fact that we have, yet again, retained our Purple Flag accreditation is testament to all the hard work taking place to make sure our town centre is an attractive place for residents and visitors to visit in the evenings. 

"Our major infrastructure plans to improve the town centre and great partnership working are instrumental in ensuring the town centre continues to be a vibrant and welcoming leisure destination."

Rhys Owen, chair of Totally Stockport, said: "Since the launch of Totally Stockport in 2017, we have seen many independent traders choose Stockport as the ideal location to open their business. 

"Recently, we have witnessed an influx of great bars, cafés and restaurants, along with many live music venues, adding to our vibrant night-time economy and ensuring Stockport continues to 'stay alive after five."

Nicola Wood, Business Manager at The Light said: "The Light is delighted that Stockport has retained the Purple Flag status again this year and we are proud to be at the heart of this vibrant and growing town. It is an amazing achievement and a testimony to the dedication of everyone involved."

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