It's Purple Flag Friday

Don’t worry if the sky over Nottingham city centre turns a strange shade of purple later today (Friday 21 September), it’s all to mark the start of national Purple Flag Week. The Purple Flag scheme is run by the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) and recognises places that offer a varied and safe night out. It’s an accolade Nottingham has held for three consecutive years now. You may remember that last year, Nottingham held the first ever Purple Flag Week. It involved a ‘Purple Carpet’ screening of local film making talent at The Broadway, key buildings illuminated in purple, special offers at bars and restaurants, and a Twilight Walk around the city centre. It proved such a success that the ATCM decided to roll it out nationally. So, between 22 and 30 September, cities and towns across the country will follow Nottingham’s lead and lay on a host of purple themed events, including night time markets, concerts and festivals. As the place where it all started, Nottingham has been chosen to launch the national celebration. This afternoon, at 2pm, representatives from other cities and towns, as well as members of the ATCM and local dignitaries will head to Trinity Square to mark the launch. They will be entertained by the choir from Blue Bell Hill Primary School in St Ann’s and Nottingham’s very own Olympic and Paralympic heroes Helen Richardson (Olympic bronze medal winning vice-captain of Team GB women’s hockey team) and Richard Whitehead (who won gold in the Paralympic 200m T42 final) will release 250 purple balloons. It’s certainly worth keeping your eye out for one of these balloons, as each will entitle whoever finds it to a prize or special offer at venues across the city centre, including a meal for two at Jamie’s Italian and Sunday lunch and a bottle of wine at The Castle Pub. A limited number will contain a VIP trip to another Purple Flag location. These trips include an overnight stay in London and tickets to see Billy Elliot, and a weekend in Bristol and £50 shopping voucher. Keep your eye on the sky this afternoon and you could well get your weekend off to a great start. Happy purple Friday everyone! Further details on the Purple Flag accreditation scheme can be found at www.purpleflag.org.uk.