Worcester route of Commonwealth Queen's Baton Relay revealed

The Birmingham 2022 games will see the 16th edition of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The relay will arrive in Worcester at teatime on Friday, July 22, with plans to visit the Cathedral, New Road cricket ground, and the racecourse.

The trip will climax with a celebration at the recently completed Arches development.

The Mayor of Worcester, councillor Stephen Hodgson, is eagerly awaiting the baton's arrival in July.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Queen’s Baton Relay is coming to Worcester and hope that as many residents as possible will turn out to line the route and be part of the celebrations.”

The route of the Worcester portion of the Queen's Baton Relay

The Queen’s Baton Relay made its inaugural appearance at the 1958 Cardiff games and has been a tradition ever since.

The Birmingham 2022 relay began at Buckingham Palace on October 7 2021, when The Queen placed Her message to the Commonwealth.

The route for the final part of the journey has been revealed today, covering the length and breadth of England.

Following a brief stint in London for the Platinum Jubilee Weekend, the baton will continue its international tour before returning to England on July 4 ahead of the final 25-day tour of the regions.

Each day of the relay will see between 40 and 130 batonbearers take part.

One such runner in Worcester is Philip Fowler, a trustee for Worcester Community Trust.

He said: “I was genuinely flabbergasted when I received the letter inviting me to be a Baton bearer, but very proud.

“To be nominated by the City Council and the Community Trust is a huge honour and I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Phil Batty, director of the relay, added: “We have worked closely with Local Authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“Yet the Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history.

"By the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it.

“We hope that communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit the Birmingham 2022 website.