The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is confirmed to visit Preston during its final journey through England this summer.

Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16^th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build up to the Games.

In England, the Queen’s Baton Relay will provide the opportunity for communities to experience the excitement for Birmingham 2022, as the 11 days of show stopping sport nears ever closer.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28 July 2022. Kicking off on Thursday 2 June, the Baton will spend four days in London, coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend.

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The Baton will then resume the international journey and return to England on Monday 4 July to commence a 25-day tour of the regions.

On Saturday 16 July, Preston will officially welcome the Baton. A busy schedule of activities and events are planned for the Queen’s Baton Relay, with opportunities to highlight untold stories from Batonbearers who are striving for change in their community.

During its time in Preston, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit The Continental and travel through Avenham and Miller Parks, across Winckley Square, into Fishergate, visit Preston Markets and end at the Flag Market.

Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community. 

Former Mayor of Preston, Councillor Javed Iqbal, said: “This is wonderful news for Preston on what is a year full of celebrations.

“Being chosen as part of the Queen’s Baton Relay route for the Commonwealth Games is a huge honour for the city and for Prestonians everywhere. Living through the pandemic has shown us just how important it now is that we can be together again, so let’s celebrate together and welcome the Batonbearers as they visit Preston.”

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Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity.

Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers will carry the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country. 

The Birmingham 2022 website will be updated with information, over the coming months, with detail on the events and where to line the route.

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