George Town among places vying to win city status in Queen’s 70-year reign

(CMR) Thirty-nine places across the United Kingdom (UK) and British Overseas Territories, including George Town in the Cayman Islands, have applied to win city status as part of a competition being run in honor of the 2022 Platinum Jubilee.

Winning city status can boost local communities and open up new opportunities for people who live there, as is the case with previous winners Perth and Preston, where the local economies benefited from their improved national and global standing.

For the first time, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies were eligible to apply for the title as part of the competition.

Cayman Islands joined Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar in submitting entries for city status.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said, “Today’s announcement is a celebration of the rich and diverse communities which make up not only the United Kingdom but also our friends further afield in the Falklands, Gibraltar, and the Cayman Islands.”

“It’s fitting that, as we look towards celebrating the 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen, we extend the competition to include those parts of the world which also hold her so dearly. City status is not only about local pride; it can deliver real leveling up benefits for businesses and the local area, which is clear from the high number of applications. A sincere best of luck to all those who have applied,” Chancellor Barclay said.

The competition is part of a series of planned celebrations to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s historic, 70-year reign.

Applicants were asked to talk about the distinct identity and community they felt meant that their area deserved to become a city and the royal associations of their area.

The Cabinet Office has also announced the 12 cities which are vying for Lord Provost or Lord Mayor status, including Newport and Perth, who both previously won city status on The Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said, “Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is an exciting chance for local areas to become cities and level-up opportunities for all. As well as fostering local pride and potential, this competition is a great way to mark Her Majesty's 70-year reign.

“I wish all entries the best of luck. 2022 is set to be a year of pride, celebration, and coming together with the four-day weekend for the Platinum Jubilee alongside other blockbuster events, including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Unboxed, championing creativity in the UK.”

Unlike previous Civic competitions, an expert panel will work closely with Ministers to make their recommendations before being approved by Her Majesty The Queen.

Chair of the Preston Business Improvement District John Boydell said, “Preston winning city status brought attention to the city, from the buying public and those thinking of investing in the city. I think it brought Preston to mind as a place to do business.”

The final decision will be taken in Spring 2022 and announced shortly afterward as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The full lists of applicants include

Alcester, Warwickshire

Ballymena, County Antrim

Bangor, County Down

Blackburn, Lancashire

Bolsover, Derbyshire

Boston, Lincolnshire

Bournemouth, Dorset

Coleraine, County Londonderry

Colchester, Essex

Crawley, West Sussex

Crewe, Cheshire

Doncaster, South Yorkshire