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Queen’s Baton Relay Makes Its Way To Birmingham

Matt Crisp July 14, 2022

The Queen’s Baton Relay has now arrived in the UK, after making its way through the Home Nations, ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Games take place over 11 days, beginning on Thursday July 28 with the official opening ceremony, through to Monday August 8.

The much anticipated opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium is produced by Steven Knight, who is the creator of hit BBC TV show Peaky Blinders, which is set in the area. The event will be watched by about 6,500 athletes representing the Home Nations and territories of 72 different countries, plus 30,00 spectators and a TV audience of millions.

This year’s Games features the largest ever Commonwealth sporting programme, with 19 sports and eight para sports set to test world class athletes to their limits. The official Queen’s Baton relay set off back in October 2021, as it made its way through all 72 Commonwealth nations.

The Relay arrived in England on 4 July, and it had already visited Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The Batonbearers have enjoyed much varied and rich scenery along the way, including the shores of Loch Ness, the stunning Isle of Arran, and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ian Reid, Chief Executive Officer for the Birmingham 2022, said: “In the 269 days since the Baton began its journey from Buckingham Palace the Baton has travelled to 71 Commonwealth nations and territories and has engaged with so many extraordinary people along the way.”

He added: “The Home Nations have all put on incredible programmes which have given the international route a fantastic finale. It’s now England’s turn to take it on and host the Queen’s Baton Relay in the final few weeks in the run up to Birmingham 2022.”

“Around 2,000 inspirational people are going to have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being an official Batonbearer, joining the international community of Batonbearers. I look forward to seeing the remainder of the Baton’s monumental journey unfold.”

On its Welsh tour, the Baton arrived at Holyhead on Anglesey, to be welcomed by the Royal Welsh Band. It then took a trip on a steam train before wending its way to Aberystwyth.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay has been on an incredible journey across the Commonwealth and we are now set for an inspirational final leg as it travels across the Home Nation.”

She added: “Excitement and anticipation are really building as the Baton heads towards the Opening Ceremony on 28 July 2022 and on its final journey across England, it will inspire so many people while showcasing the very best of Commonwealth Sport.”

The Baton is now making its way around all the regions of England, and will spend 11 days in the West Midlands area, before finally arriving at the Alexander Stadium in time for the opening ceremony.

 

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