Purple Flag Christmas Campaign

What is the project?

The Purple Flag Christmas Campaign is a Cambridge BID–led initiative, delivered in co-leadership with CAMBAC (Cambridge Business Against Crime), to strengthen safety, welfare and public awareness throughout the festive season.

As the city becomes busier with late-night shopping, festive events and nights out, Cambridge BID and CAMBAC coordinate enhanced safety measures to ensure residents, students and visitors can enjoy the season with confidence.

Working alongside Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire Police, University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, licensed venues and wider city partners, the campaign provides additional on-street safety, welfare support, medical provision and clear signposting during key December dates.

The initiative forms a core part of Cambridge’s Purple Flag accreditation — recognising the city as a safe, vibrant and well-managed destination after dark.

Who does it benefit?

The campaign supports the safety and wellbeing of:

  • Residents enjoying festive events, dining and late-night shopping

  • Students during the busy end-of-term period

  • Visitors travelling into Cambridge for Christmas celebrations

  • Local businesses, by supporting safer, smoother dispersal at peak times

  • Emergency and welfare teams, through proactive, on-street intervention and partnership communication

The result: a safer, more welcoming Cambridge during the busiest nights of the year.

Key Festive Safety Measures

Taxi Marshals

Stationed at St Andrew’s Street Taxi Rank, helping manage queues, offering assistance and ensuring people can get home safely.

Check here for next dates operating

Open Space Guardians

Visible across key open spaces, offering welfare support, directions, assistance and first aid.

Check here for next dates operating

Street Pastors

Present every Saturday night, providing care, conversation, water and help for those who need support.

NightLite

A calm, supportive environment offering welfare support for anyone feeling unwell, overwhelmed or vulnerable.

CCTV & CAMBAC Radio Network

Enhanced communication links between venues, door teams, marshals, police and welfare services to ensure fast, coordinated responses.

St John Ambulance

Additional medical provision funded by Cambridge City Council on:

  • 19 December 2025

  • 20 December 2025

  • 31 December (New Year’s Eve) 2025

Green Stripe Taxis

Cambridge’s trusted licensed taxis, identifiable by their silver vehicles and signature green stripe.

I AM DES – Designated Driver Campaign

Delivered as part of the Christmas safety programme, the I AM DES campaign encourages groups to nominate a designated driver for their night out.

Participating venues support the scheme with:

  • Free or discounted soft drinks

  • Campaign posters and digital materials

  • Staff awareness to help promote responsible choices

The aim is simple: reduce risk, support safer journeys home and encourage responsible festive celebrations.

Project Status

Delivered annually, the Purple Flag Christmas Campaign runs from late November until New Year’s Eve, with enhanced safety support scheduled on identified high-demand evenings.

How do you get involved?

  • Venues & businesses: Promote safety messages, participate in the I AM DES campaign, and engage with the CAMBAC radio network.

  • Universities & colleges: Share festive safety information with students.

  • Residents & visitors: Plan travel, use licensed taxis, look out for friends, and use city safety services where needed.

For more information or partnership opportunities, please contact:
info@cambridgebid.co.uk

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