Preston has retained its recommendation as the best night out in Lancashire for a fifth year in a row.
AdvertisementA Purple Flag has been awarded to the city, a scheme similar to the blue flags for beaches, for having a safe ad vibrant night time city centre economy.
Judges said: “Preston has a strong Purple Flag programme demonstrating good practice, development and management of the evening and night-time economy and a particularly great media presence for the city centre and activities focused on keeping the Purple Flag profile in the limelight.”
Preston Business Improvement District manager Mark Whittle said: “At a time when some of our neighbouring boroughs are experiencing an unfortunate period of decline and closures, Preston has encountered a significant profile-raising with four new venues opening in the past 12 months alone.
“There has been a surge in positivity around the city’s evening and night time economy and the general atmosphere is great.
“And it isn’t just about alcohol, Preston offers the whole package so there really is something for everyone. They will be welcomed, safe and looked after.”
The news comes against the backdrop of MACs bar being forced to close by Lancashire Police and the courts from early June for three months. It followed an incident of disorder outside the venue.
What do you think of the Purple Flag? Do you go out in the city centre? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below