Purple Flag Weekend returns to Lichfield with live music, trails and city-wide celebrations

Purple Flag Weekend will return to Lichfield city centre from 22 to 25 May with live music, themed drinks, special offers, guided tours and a new city-wide trail celebrating everything that makes the city a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to enjoy day and night.

Returning following the success of last year’s debut event, this year’s Purple Flag Weekend will see even more businesses, venues and partners taking part in a coordinated bank holiday celebration of Lichfield’s hospitality and visitor economy. It is timed to take place alongside Bower Day on 25 May to showcase and celebrate the city.

Visitors will be encouraged to explore participating venues across the city centre as part of a brand-new Purple Flag Trail, collecting stickers along the way and redeeming completed trail cards for a limited-edition reusable pint cup.

Participating venues include The George Hotel, Toluca Mexican Bar & Grill, Le Rêve, The George & Dragon, The Angel Inn, The Kings Head, The Quill & Scholar, 55 Wade Street and many more.

From hospitality favourites to iconic cultural venues such as the Garrick Theatre, Lichfield Cathedral and The Hub at St Mary’s, the weekend will bring together the very best of the city in one vibrant, city-wide celebration.

Alongside themed drinks, live music and entertainment across the city, the weekend will also include Visit Lichfield guided tours and wider community.

Purple Flag is a national accreditation awarded to town and city centres that provide a safe, vibrant and well-managed evening and night-time economy. Lichfield is proud to hold Purple Flag status, recognising the strong partnership working between businesses, Staffordshire Police, community safety partners and the council.

Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology and Climate Change, said:

“Following the success of last year’s event, it’s fantastic to see this Purple Flag Weekend returning bigger and better for 2026.

“The weekend is about celebrating everything that makes Lichfield such a welcoming and vibrant place to visit, from our independent hospitality venues and live music scene to the partnership work that helps create a safe and enjoyable city centre for everyone.

“We’d encourage residents and visitors to come into the city over the bank holiday weekend, explore somewhere new and support the fantastic local businesses taking part.”

Throughout the weekend, community safety partners including Late Night Listeners and Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership will also have a visible presence in the city centre helping provide support and reassurance to visitors.

Trail guides and further information will be available via participating venues and online at Visit Lichfield.

For more information, please visit www.visitlichfield.co.uk/purple-flag