Bangor awarded city status
The seaside town has won a competition in the Queen's platinum jubilee year.
Last updated 20th May 2022
Bangor has been awarded city status to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The County Down seaside spot is one of eight places across the UK and beyond that have won a competition to be upgraded to a city.
The new city has significant Royal links - The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited Bangor Castle in 1961 and after lunching at the Royal Ulster Yacht Club that day, the Duke took part in a regatta race.
In 1903, Edward VII visited Bangor and sailed out of the harbour on the Royal Yacht with Queen Alexandra following a tour of Ireland as part of the coronation celebrations.
Mayor Mark Brooks said the award is "extra special" due to its association with the Jubilee.
"I am delighted by the news of Bangor's success in the City Status Competition," said Councillor Brooks.
"It would be an honour for the town and people of Bangor to receive at any time but coming as part of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations makes it extra special.
"City status isn't judged on the size of your town and isn't dependent on having particular assets such as a cathedral, rather it's about heritage, pride and potential.
"When putting forward the case for Bangor we found evidence of each of these in abundance.
"I would like to put on record my thanks to all those who contributed to Bangor's application - both in terms of their words of support but more importantly in terms of their practical and ongoing work in the local area.
"Bangor has been given a great boost today and I'm extremely proud of this new and significant accolade for our borough."
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