Parks and countryside
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is nearly here!
Published on
A reminder of where to see the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay when it visits Walsall.
It’s only a few days now until the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in Walsall on Saturday 23 July on its way to the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 28 July at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.
From noon Walsall Gala Swimming and Fitness will host an Aquatics day where young people can enjoy a free learn to swim session or try out diving and artistic swimming. As the time for The Queen’s Baton to arrive draws nearer there will be a display by Walsall Artistic Swimming Club, featuring GB International Robyn Swatman, who is currently National Junior and Senior Champion for Artistic Swimming. Free children’s tasters and spectator tickets can be booked via the Walsall Leisure website.
After visiting Walsall Gala Swimming and Fitness, the next stop for The Queen’s Baton will be Walsall Arboretum, where a community festival is taking place from 4.00pm to 9.00pm. Lining the Relay route will be many sports clubs providing ‘come and try it’ activities and entertainment provided by music and dance groups.
Once the Baton has left the park there will be a free showing of the ever-popular film Cool Runnings at 7.30pm on a giant screen on centre green near the Visitor Centre.
The Visitor Centre’s café will be running a barbecue from 2.30pm to 7.30pm. Also available in the food village will be The Black Sheep Grill, Caribbean Cuisine, Gourmet Coffee Bar, Luna Bars (draft beers, wine and cocktails) and, of course, an ice cream van.
Residents are encouraged to attend the afternoon community festival and stay for the arrival of The Queen’s Baton and line the route along the Arboretum paths to cheer on the Batonbearers. The route will begin at 6.17pm at the Grange car park off Broadway North, passing the trim trail and play area, before entering the historic Victorian core of the park. From here it will pass in front of the bandstand and clock tower, finishing on centre green by the visitor centre at 6.44pm.
“ It looks like the weather will be perfect on Saturday, so why not bring a picnic blanket or chairs, cheer on our Batonbearers, let someone else do the cooking for a change and enjoy a day ‘down the Arbo? “
~ENDS~
Note to Editor
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay page — www.birmingham2022.com/qbr
Friday 22 July: The blue badge bays will not be available due to the event set up for The Queen's Baton Relay. Accessible parking will be available behind the Sons of Rest Building at the end of Arboretum Road.
Saturday 23 July: The blue badge bays next to the Visitor Centre and also the Sons of Rest will be unavailable all day due to The Queen's Baton Relay event.
All accessible parking on Saturday 23rd July will be at the Grange car park off Broadway North.
Cool Running will be shown from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm.
The Visitor Centre’s toilets will be open until 9.00 pm.
The Queen’s Message
- The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that celebrates, connects and excites communities across the Commonwealth during the build-up to the Games
- Birmingham 2022 is staging the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay
- The Relay began on 7 October 2021 at Buckingham Palace, when The Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton
- The Baton is travelling for a total of 294 days and will visit all nations and territories of the Commonwealth
- The epic journey aims to embrace culture; ignite hope, solidarity and collaboration; and share stories that inspire others to take on challenges.
About the England route:
- This summer, the Queen’s Baton Relay will return to the host nation for a tour of each region of England
- The final leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay will give communities across England the chance to experience the buzz and excitement for Birmingham 2022, as the 11 days of show-stopping sport get even closer
- The England route began in London on 2 June, coinciding with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations
- The Queen’s Baton Relay will culminate in the host city of Birmingham, where it will take a central role in the Opening Ceremony on 28 July 2022
- Baton bearers were nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community and being an inspiration to others.
About the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games:
- The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held from 28 July until 8 August 2022 and will be part of an incredible summer of sport
- Birmingham 2022 is the biggest event that the West Midlands has ever staged and the biggest sporting event to be held in the UK since London 2012
- The Games will have 19 sports with 8 para sports integrated into the programme – the biggest Commonwealth para sports programme ever
