Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
YACHT A RESULT
Bangor becomes a » Co Down town one city in Jubilee honour of eight to win status
THE seaside town of Bangor has been awarded city status to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
It is one of eight places across the UK and beyond that triumphed in a competition to receive civic honours.
Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council Mark Brooks said the award for the Co Down town was “extra special” due to its association with the Jubilee.
He added: “I am delighted by the news of Bangor’s success in the City Status Competition.
“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.”
The pitch for city status was founded on three main pillars – heritage, heart and hope.
The bid highlighted its medieval monastic influences, Christian heritage, industrial exploits and innovation and proud naval tradition. Due to its location at the mouth of
Belfast Lough, Bangor was a key site for the Allies during the Second World War.
In May 1944, the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces, Dwight D Eisenhower, gave a speech to 30,000 assembled troops in the town shortly before ships left for Normandy and D-day.
The newly-named city also has significant royal links.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited Bangor Castle in 1961 and, after lunching at the Royal Ulster Yacht Club, the Duke took part in a regatta race.
In 1903, Edward VII visited and sailed out of the harbour on the Royal Yacht with Queen Alexandra following a tour of Ireland as part of the coronation celebrations.
Bangor has also been credited with strong community spirit.
In 2018, the local council honoured health and social care staff as “freemen of the borough” – the first local authority in Northern Ireland to recognise healthcare workers in such a way.
Secretary of State Brandon Lewis welcomed the award.
He said: “Bangor has a strong community focus and so much to offer, including its beautiful coastline, a thriving marina and a resurgent cultural and arts sector.
“I’m delighted Bangor has secured city status and this well-deserved honour will provide a further boost to tourism and the economy.”
The other newly-named cities are Colchester, Doncaster and Milton Keynes in England, Dunfermline in Scotland, Wrexham in Wales, Stanley on the Falkland Islands and Douglas on the Isle of Man.
Bangor has been given a boost.. I’m extremely proud MAYOR MARK BROOKS CO DOWN YESTERDAY