The bid forms part of a UK-wide civic honours competition, launched in June this year and designed to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen in 2022.

The Mayor, Councillor William McCaughey described the competition as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for Ballymena and the wider Borough.

“Through this competition, we will showcase all that is good about our ‘City of the Seven Towers’ and the surrounding area.

‘City of the Seven Towers’

Harnessing Ballymena’s ‘seven towers’ heritage, over the coming weeks, Council will showcase seven main themes or ‘campaign towers’.

“I am confident we have all the ingredients as the ideal recipient of city status. I would also encourage businesses and citizens across Mid and East Antrim to join us in really getting behind this campaign in the months ahead.”

Whilst the number of awards to be made has not been stipulated, the UK Government has encouraged local authorities across the four regions of the UK to enter the competition and make a case for why their area is worthy of one these honours.

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