REFUGEES who have found a new life in Colchester will join a procession of dignitaries ahead of a ceremony formally conferring city status.

Colchester will officially become a city on Monday, September 12, when the letters patent - an official document written on parchment - is presented to mayor Tim Young during a special meeting of Colchester Council.

The moment will herald the start of a year of celebrations, as Colchester becomes the 76th city in the UK and the third in Essex, alongside Chelmsford and Southend.

The historic ceremony begins at 5.30pm, with a civic procession of dignitaries and councillors led by the Town Serjeant and Colchester Pipes and Drums.

The procession will move from the Mercury Theatre, along High Street to the Town Hall, where the Town Crier will deliver a proclamation.

More than 20 Ukrainian and other refugees who have made a new life in Colchester will join the procession and fly flags.

The Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst presents the letters patent to Mr Young.

Following speeches from the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant, the sole business item of the meeting will see members vote on a resolution to change the name of Colchester Borough Council to Colchester City Council.

Once approved, Colchester officially becomes a city and the meeting will formally close – reconvening several minutes later for the first full meeting of Colchester City Council and a ceremony to confer honorary aldermanship on former mayor and long-serving councillor Peter Chillingworth.

After more speeches, the inaugural meeting of Colchester City Council will close and dignitaries, members and special guests will process from the chamber to a private reception.

Mr Young said: “City Day is a long time coming; a proud moment for us to celebrate all that makes Colchester what it is, what it was, and what it will continue to be: a fantastic place to live, to work and to visit.

“It will be an incredible honour for me to receive the letters patent from Her Majesty’s representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, on behalf of the people of Colchester, and I would once again like to pay tribute and offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to make this historic moment a reality."

Council leader David King said: “This meeting represents a significant moment in the long history of Colchester, as we change from a borough to a city.

“As our ceremonial procession will show, with the flags of many nations flying, we provide a warm welcome for those seeking a safe and supportive place to live, work or visit.

"Becoming a city will further raise that national profile.

"It will deliver a major boost to the local economy.

"It will create even greater social opportunities, and it will promote our rich heritage and culture – for the benefit of all our residents, businesses and the many visitors who flock here.”

Pam Cox, Colchester councillor responsible for culture and heritage, added: “The historic parade and ceremony herald a year of celebrations, festivals and exhibitions that will showcase all the wonderful things our new city of Colchester has to offer and convey to the world that we are a city of culture, compassion and creativity.

“City Day is our day, a time to come together and look to the future as we celebrate all of the great things Colchester has to offer.”