Wigan town centre's evening and night-time economy met the judging criteria to qualify for Purple Flag status. This helps members of the public and businesses identify towns and cities that offer a safe and enjoyable night out!
Purple Flag is an accreditation process, similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. It celebrates the centre for being a safe and vibrant evening and night-time destination. The governing body, ATCM (Association of Town and City Management), has set five core standards, which accredited locations are measured and reviewed on an annual basis:
- The Policy Envelope: An after-hours policy that shows a clear strategy based on sound research, integrated public policy and a successful multi-sector partnership.
- Wellbeing: Successful destinations are all safe and welcoming with all sectors playing their part in delivering high standards of customer care.
- Movement: Getting home safely after an evening out is crucial, as is the ability to move around the centre on foot with ease.
- Appeal: Successful destinations offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.
- Place: Successful areas contain a blend of overlapping activities that encourage people to mingle and enjoy the place. They reinforce the character and identity of the area as well as flair and imagination in urban design for the night.
What’s going on in Wigan
We have lots going on in the borough. Check out Visit Wigan website (external link) or instagram (external link), to find out what's on, as well as getting inspiration for your visit.
Safety initiatives
Safety marshals
Professionally trained safety marshals are on the streets around our most popular evening destinations in the borough, including Wigan, Leigh, and Atherton. They provide advice and support for anyone who may feel unsafe or needs assistance.
From your phone battery dying to needing help finding your way home after a good night out, they are there to help.
Our marshals are there to support you if something doesn't feel quite right, but if you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
Taxi marshals
Taxi marshals help ensure everyone gets home safely by managing the busy night-time queues and providing priority to vulnerable individuals who may need additional assistance.
UMAY safe places
If you are lost, in distress, or don’t know how to get home, there are safe places that you can go to for help. Safe places are located throughout the borough where trained volunteers can help you if you need assistance.
Download the UMAY app to find your nearest safe place when you’re out and about:
Our safe places are there to support you if something doesn't feel quite right, but if you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
Ask For Angela
If you feel unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened, then you can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’. This will indicate to staff that you require help, and a trained member of staff will support and help you.