Crowds lined the streets of Worcester as a little slice of the Commonwealth Games came to the city.
The Queen’s Baton Relay made its way through Worcester on Friday evening (July 22), after spending time in Broadway, Upton and Malvern earlier in the day,
Arriving at The Cross, the baton was carried down the High Street and past the Guildhall before heading into perhaps the city’s most famous landmark, Worcester Cathedral.
There, civil war re-enactors formed a guard of honour and an invited audience enjoyed a DanceFest performance at the tomb of King John.
In one of the more dramatic moments of the baton’s tour of the UK, Paralympic swimmer Rebecca Redfern carried the baton across the River Severn on a dragon boat powered by Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club.
Landing at the Swan Sanctuary steps, the baton made its way to Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s New Road ground, where children formed a guard of honour to welcome the convoy.
It then made its way through Cripplegate Park and up Hylton Road, where an open-air wheelchair basketball match was taking place.
A flotilla of boats waited on the Severn as the baton made its way over Sabrina Bridge and onto Worcester Racecourse, where it was greeted by 2014 Grand National winner Pineau De Re and batonbearer Lizzie Hunt.
Families waiting at Pitchcroft were able to enjoy free activities put on by the Army.
The baton then travelled to the University of Worcester’s City Campus for an official reception including a speech by Worcester mayor Adrian Gregson.
The baton’s time in Worcester was wrapped up with a Fiesta organised by Severn Arts, revolving around the newly-renovated Arches project.
Claire James from Worcester said: “I’m really excited. My other half is volunteering as a field of play medic at the squash and we have all the kit ready in the house. It’s very exciting to see the baton come through the city.”
City MP Robin Walker said: “Lovely to see the baton come through Worcester. It’s a great thing for the city, and lovely to see children getting involved and enjoying themselves. What a great way to start the summer holidays.”
Carnival queen Melanie Eastwood said it was her first big event in the city since the carnival. “It’s lovely to see so many people coming out and enjoying themselves. This is exactly what we need,” she said.
The Queen's Baton Relay comes to an end at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, which takes place next Thursday (July 22) at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.
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