The Purple Flag status has been held by the city since 2012.
Southend-on-Sea is once again flying the Purple Flag in 2026, reaffirming its status as a safe and vibrant and well-managed evening and night-time destination. This prestigious accreditation places Southend among more than 90 Purple Flag destinations worldwide.
To keep Purple Flag status - held by the city since 2012 and often compared to the Blue Flag for beaches - we must demonstrate that Southend is safe and welcoming from 5pm to 5am for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Key strengths in this year's successful submission include new accessible parking arrangements in the evenings, emerging plans for a city food and drink festival, and the continued engagement, particularly around safety initiatives such as "Ask for Angela."
This recognition comes as the Southend Tasking Action Group (STAG) held a successful education and engagement day across the High Street, Warrior Square and the seafront. Council teams and partners worked side by side to speak with residents and businesses, identify issues and carry out follow-up enforcement.
Residents took the opportunity to speak with officers, learn more about the support available, and share local concerns.
Councillor Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "When Southend lights up at night, it's the people behind the scenes who make those hours feel safe and enjoyable. Keeping the Purple Flag is a testament to their dedication and to a safe, night-time city that looks out for one another. It's proof that safety is not a slogan here, it's a lived commitment."
Southend's night-time economy partners also play an invaluable role. Nick Singer, Chair of the Southend PubWatch scheme, continues to lead strong collaboration with venues across the city centre. His group's focus on responsible management, shared intelligence and safety initiatives contributes significantly to the standards recognised through Purple Flag accreditation.
The 2026 accreditation is a testament to the dedication of council teams, businesses, partners and volunteers who work together to ensure Southend remains a welcoming place for residents and visitors, day and night.