Chester Town Hall, The Eastgate Clock and Newgate will be lit purple this weekend (14 to 16 February).

The event marks the city retaining the Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy, having first achieved Purple Flag status in 2018.

Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.

Highlights from Chester's submission included the positive trial of the Street Angels, the strong relationships with residents, with representation of Purple Flag at the residents conference and the diverse events calendar, in particular the hosting of the Pride event.

Councillor Christine Warner, cabinet member for homes, planning and safer communities said: "It's particularly fitting at the same time Chester is being crowned as one of the world's most welcoming cities, that we can keep flying the Purple Flag in recognition of Chester remaining safe and welcoming during the evening.

"None of this would be possible without the many city centre partners working together to ensure Chester remains safe and welcoming.

"Chester welcomed 16,859,128 visitors last year a 1.7 per cent increase on the previous year.

"We will be celebrating the Purple Flag this week by lighting the Eastgate Clock, Town Hall and Newgate purple."

Chester Town Hall, The Eastgate Clock and Newgate will be lit purple this weekend (Image via: Cheshire West and Chester Council)

Chester has been voted the tenth most welcoming city in the world and the most welcoming place in the UK in a recent survey based on traveller reviews.

The rankings were drawn up by travel website, Booking.com, with entries identified based on the number of Traveller Review Awards each has.

The Purple Flag programme was developed following the Civic Trust's "Night Vision" report in 2006 and is now managed by the Association of Town & City Management.

Carl Critchlow, CEO of Chester BID said: "We're pleased that once again Chester has received its Purple Flag Renewal Accreditation.

"The accreditation is a testament to the quality of our night-time economy and the dedication of our hospitality businesses, who ensure a safe, welcoming environment for visitors to the city."

Inspector James Wilson, of Chester Local Policing Unit, added: "Chester is a great place to visit and officially the most welcoming place in the UK, and I welcome the Purple Flag accreditation given to the city.

"We work closely with all our partners across Chester to ensure those enjoying the night time economy can do so safely, including Cheshire West and Chester Council, businesses and private security, amongst others.

"Our officers are committed to protecting our residents and visitors and we will continue working hard to keep Chester safe for everyone."

Keeping the city safe is a partnership between Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Chester BID, Cheshire Police, Chester Against Business Crime, Pubwatch, the University of Chester, Chester Residents' Associations Group and several third sector groups.