CROWDS are being invited to watch the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay pass through Stratford district next week.
The relay, to kick off the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, will pass through the district on Friday July 22 and the timings for when residents can turn out and cheer it on have been released.
The baton will first arrive at Gaydon at around 10am when it will rev into the British Motor Museum.
A total of three batonbearers will be joined by The Queen’s 1953 Land Rover Series 1, which accompanied Her Majesty and Prince Philip on a six-month Commonwealth tour soon after the coronation.
Next the procession will make its way to Stratford where the first batonbearer will begin the relay through the town at the outdoor gym at around 10.50am.
Nine batonbearers in total will take the baton around the town, going around the Rec to the new bike track at around 10.55. At this location the Heart of England Mencap will also be showcasing one of its free accessible bike sessions.
At just before 11.10am, the baton will be carried along to the Avon Boating chain ferry where it will cast anchor and set sail across the river and onto the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at just before 11.20am. Once there, there will be a photo of the baton with representatives from Forest of Hearts, who have recently worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company to create a Forest Garden in The Dell.
The baton will then be carried along Waterside, up Bridge Street and finish in Henley Street by the Shakespeare statue at just before 11.30am.
There will additionally be the chance to try some Everyone Active equipment on the Rec from 10am till noon.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before arriving at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on July 28.
Coun Ian Shenton, spokesperson for climate change at Stratford District Council (SDC), said: “This is such an honour for Stratford district to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay, especially with the Commonwealth Games on our doorstep. We are looking forward to celebrating its arrival and giving it a warm welcome”.
Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and cheer on the district’s batonbearers.
For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr
