Commonwealth Games baton relay to include Weymouth & Portland
The route for the countrywide tour has been revealed
With just months to go until Birmingham hosts the Commonwealth Games, we now know more details about one of its signature events.
The 2,500 mile final leg of the 2022 Queen's Baton Relay route has been revealed, which includes 180 towns, cities and villages up and down England.
The route will include visits to Weymouth and Portland on Monday July 4th.
The baton relay will then culminate at start of The Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, for the opening ceremony on the 28th July.
Thousands of so-called 'Batonbearers' will be taking turns along the journey - between 40 and 130 each day of the route - through England.
They've been chosen for making a difference to their local communities.
It will have taken 294 days and trips to each of the 72 nations that make up the Commonwealth by the time the final mile has been completed at the end of July.
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Phil Batty, director of ceremonies, culture and Queen's Baton Relay, said;
"A lot of work had gone into planning the route, adding it "symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges and marks the countdown to the biggest sporting event in the West Midlands' history.
"We hope communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games."
Dame Louise Martin, Commonwealth Games Federation president, said:
"The Queen's Baton Relay symbolises hope, solidarity and collaboration across the Commonwealth at a time when it is needed most."
Nigel Huddleston, minister for the Commonwealth Games, said:
"The 2022 Queen's Baton Relay is coming home.
"Travelling the length and breadth of England, the baton will bring the excitement of the Games to every region of the country.
"The relay marks the final countdown to the biggest sporting event to be held in the UK since London 2012, and I hope people come together and line their streets to celebrate this historic moment."