The Queen’s Baton will travel through Preston this weekend, ten years after the Olympic Torch visited the city on route to the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Preston will welcome the Commonwealth Baton on Saturday, 16 July, leaving Miller Park at 2:45pm and travelling through the city centre to Preston Flag Market at 3:08pm, greeted by Preston’s Mayor, Councillor Neil Darby.
Flag Market will host sports events from 2pm to 4pm. They include a Preston North End Football Club penalty shootout, weightlifting with KAOS Gym, giant Jenga and Connect Four games, local boxing and martial arts club demonstrations and a dance performance from the Caribbean Carnival.
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Mayor of Preston Councillor Neil Darby said: “We are honoured to have been chosen to host The Queen’s Baton on its route to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“I am looking forward to celebrating this important event, and I encourage everyone to take part and line the route just as we did in 2012 when the Olympic Torch travelled through Preston – it really gives a sense of pride and community to our local residents.”
The Worldwise Samba Drummers will perform at Preston Markets as the baton passes through the city centre.
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Over 2,000 baton bearers have been selected as the baton travels through England, including inspirational Prestonians.
They include Montgomery-Everard Lord, who set five Guinness World Records; Peter Warde, a 2020 Queen’s honours list holder for his services to athletics; Shelby Williams, a running leader and coach; and Rebecca Rich, charity DanceSyndrome’s spokesperson and ambassador.
Each baton bearer was chosen for their own achievements, whether taking on challenges in their community or overcoming personal difficulties.
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They have inspired others to do their best and make a meaningful contribution to what they are passionate about – whether sport, charity, the arts, or education.
Councillor Peter Kelly, the cabinet member for Culture and Arts, said: “Events like these give us a chance to experience the buzz and excitement of the games first-hand and set the stage for other sporting events.
“The baton passing through the city is just one of our Summer Saturday events, and there will be more exciting and family-oriented fun throughout July and August on the Flag Market.
“Later this year, Preston will be hosting the Welsh team for The Rugby League World Cup, and we have some amazing ticket giveaways planned, so keep your eye out for those.”
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The Queen’s Baton Relay is a tradition that celebrates, connects and excites communities across the Commonwealth.
The Relay began on 7 October 2021 at Buckingham Palace, where The Queen announced her message to the Commonwealth into the baton.
The baton has journeyed across the Commonwealth, visiting all 72 nations and territories, with thousands of baton bearers carrying it through England as part of a 25-day long tour to its final destination at Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games 2022.
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There will be a rolling road closure along the route as the baton passes through Preston to keep disruptions to a minimum.
The public can line the route at any point to celebrate the event.
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