St Andrews, Stanley and Marazion are facing off against dozens of other towns in a bid to be granted city status by the Queen as part of next year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Becoming a city does not grant a town any extra rights, but it is thought to grant a place more prestige and increase the number of visitors. The likes of Reading and Boston, meanwhile, are relying on their rich heritage to give them an advantage. John Boydell, the Chair of the Preston Improvement District, said their city status ‘brought Preston to mind as a place to do business’. There are also 12 cities, including Bath, Sunderland and Southampton, applying for Lord Provost or Lord Mayor status.

Source: The Nation December 23, 2021 01:02 UTC