Southend: City on Sea

Southend-on-Sea: A vibrant cultural centre; a rich heritage; a place where enterprise is celebrated and business thrives; an educational hub; a top visitor destination...

Now, Southend is seeking royal recognition by bidding to become a city in a national competition to mark The Queen's 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The competition is open to any local authority in the UK which considers that its area deserves to be granted the rare honour. The winners, chosen by the Queen, will be announced next year.

Southend's bid has been developed by a partnership of local organisations including Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, community leaders, key businesses and local organisations from the voluntary, faith, private and public sectors.

Southend is a city in all but name already, boasting much appeal that other locations would aspire to: An international airport, key business and employment sectors, a strong further and higher educational campus, cultural diversity and excellent connectivity to the capital yet a destination in its own right, attracting around 6 million visitors each year.

Southend is the largest town in the county and continues to be at the forefront of regeneration projects developing the infrastructure which in turn encourages future inward investment opportunities.

There are no other cities in Essex and with a mix of inspiration for the future yet respect for history and heritage, the time is right for Southend's city status to be recognised.