The Queen will hand out coveted "city status" to a string of towns for the first time in a decade.
Places across the UK will be able to apply for rare civic honours to mark the monarch's Platinum Jubilee next year.
Worthy towns can bid for city status and existing cities can apply for Lord Mayor or Lord Provost status for their civic leaders under the plans to celebrate the Queen's 70 years on the throne.
For the first time, the competition will also be open to applications from the Crown Dependencies such as Jersey and Guernsey, and Overseas Territories like Gibraltar.
Chelmsford, Perth, St Asaph and Armagh were all named cities in honour of the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 2012.
Sunderland was also granted city status in 1992 to mark the Ruby Jubilee - after five attempts.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "As we look forward to a year of celebration, growth and renewal in 2022, this prestigious competition will inspire civic pride in communities right across the UK.
"It's a great opportunity for towns and cities in every corner of the country to showcase their heritage and tell us more about the people and places that make their local area so unique - and a fitting tribute to Her Majesty's reign in her Platinum Jubilee year."
Town halls have until December 8 to make their case.
Ministers will consider factors such as civic pride, interesting culture and heritage, innovation or association with royalty before making recommendations to the Queen.
Constitution Minister Chloe Smith said: "The Civic Honours competition is an opportunity to promote your hometown and win an honour for it that will last for all time.
"I encourage entries from local authorities in every part of the UK, from vibrant towns and cities with distinct identities, history, and sense of community.
"The brilliance of the United Kingdom is rooted in diverse and unique communities brought together by a shared sense of civic pride, so I have no doubt the competition will be fierce - but success will be a historic moment of celebration for the winners, which will take its place within Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee."
Royal Jubilees are held to celebrate the life and reign of a monarch.
The Queen has held major celebrations for her Silver Jubilee in 1977, the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Brits will enjoy an extra two days off work with a four-day bank holiday next year to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee from June 2-5.
