Monday June 13, 2022
For immediate release
One month until the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay visits Loughborough
Residents in Charnwood are being urged to show their support for the Commonwealth Games when the Queen’s Baton Relay visits Loughborough in July.
Charnwood Borough Council is planning an afternoon of fun activities and celebrations on Monday, July 11 to celebrate the Baton’s visit to the town.
During its visit to the town centre, the Baton will start at Queen’s Park and make a quick stop at the Carillon Tower before heading to the Market Place for a celebration event.
The main stage will come alive in Market Place at 1pm with live music and entertainment. There will also be free children’s arts and craft activities and face painting throughout the afternoon.
A number of market stalls and children’s fairground rides will be in the town centre to showcase Loughborough’s Markets and Fair Royal Charter which celebrated its 800th anniversary last year.
There will also be free sports activities and children’s games taking place in Queen’s Park between 12-3pm.
The Baton is expected to arrive in Queen’s Park and Market Place between 1.30-2.30pm but people are advised to check the Council’s website for more details including the Baton route and proposed timings.
Live updates will also be published on the Council’s Twitter @CharnwoodBC on the day of the relay.
Residents are also being invited to visit Loughborough University’s campus where the Baton will officially start its Loughborough journey at around 1pm before it travels by vehicle to Queen’s Park.
Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough said “Plans are underway to host a range of activities in the town to mark this wonderful occasion.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is an iconic part of the Commonwealth Games and its visit to both the University and the town centre gives Loughborough a chance to showcase its heritage and sporting excellence.
“It is certainly not an event to miss, and I would encourage people to come along and join us in celebrating the Baton!”
For more information about the Queen’s Baton Relay coming to Loughborough, visit the Council’s website: www.charnwood.gov.uk/QBR
Speaking about the Baton visit, Loughborough’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings said: “We would like to invite the University community and people from across Loughborough to come and join us on Monday 11 July in giving the Queen’s Baton Relay, and its Baton bearers an incredible welcome.
“Sport is at the heart of Loughborough. Many of our past and present students and staff will be part of the Games, as athletes, coaches and support staff, so to be part of the Baton relay is a true honour. Come and celebrate with us.”
Jo Maher, Principal and CEO at Loughborough College, added: “The College and University are in the heart of the community and I know our teams are really looking forward to welcoming local people to celebrate with us during the Queen’s Baton Relay.
“The Commonwealth Games have launched the careers of countless elite athletes and we hope the baton relay can help inspire the next generation of athletes from our community.”
Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th 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. The relay in England was kicked off on Thursday 2 June when the Baton spent four days in London, coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend. The Baton resumed the international journey and return to England on Monday 4 July to start a 25-day tour of the regions.
Thousands of Baton bearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England. Baton bearers were nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community and being an inspiration to others.
For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr.
ENDS