Queen's Baton Relay arrives in Gloucestershire today
Here's everything you need to know about the Baton Relay in Gloucester and Cheltenham
Last updated 5th Jul 2022
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Gloucester and Cheltenham today (Tuesday 5 July) during its final journey through England this summer.
The relay began on 7 October last year at Buckingham Palace, when The Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth onto the Baton. It is travelling for a total 294 days visiting all nations and territories of the Commonwealth.
The Baton’s epic journey has seen it visit Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas, before returning to England in July 2022 for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.
Gloucester Baton Relay
At 5:14pm, the Baton will arrive in a canoe at Gloucester Docks, before making its way up Southgate Street to the Cross.
It will then be carried up Westgate Street through the Cathedral Grounds before being carried to Kings Square for a celebratory event.
Cllr Andy Lewis, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Gloucester City Council, said:
“It’s a great honour for Gloucester to be hosting the Queen’s Baton Relay as excitement builds ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
I would encourage residents and visitors alike to come and see this symbol of hope, solidarity and collaboration across the Commonwealth.”
Caroline Kendall, Canal & River Trust community engagement manager said:
“We’ve been delighted to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
"We’re transporting the Baton and one of the Batonbearers on one of our Canal & River Trust canoes. This is more usually used by people enjoying leisure time on the water but we’re proud to have it now carrying a very special and precious item.”
Hashim Norat was invited to carry the baton after he set up Gloucester Feed the Hungry, a charity that provides hot meals and free clothing to the homeless.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, he told us it means a lot to him:
"I shed a few tears I might say! It doesn't happen to people like me, doesn't it? I've just been that simple person supporting the most vulnerable."
"It hasn't sunk it, I'll be honest. I've just got so much going on, and I've said to many people - I took it as a bit of a hoax four months ago when I initially got the first email, and I put the email into my junk box!"
The Baton Relay will end at Kings Square, where the Mayor of Gloucester Cllr Howard Hyman will greet the Batonbearer.
A celebration event will follow, with performances by Maisie Gaffney and Chez from the Music Works, as well as GL1 sports activities including 'have a go tennis' for families and other sporting activities.
As for the Baton, it will continue on its journey towards its next stop in its England Tour - Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Baton Relay
During its time in Cheltenham, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit The Prince of Wales Stadium for an invitation only event.
At 6:35pm, the Baton Relay will travelling through Pittville Park culminating with a reception and community celebration on the steps of Pittville Pump Room.
A community celebration event with free live music will begin from 5pm, with the Baton expected to arrive into Cheltenham at around 6pm.
Councillor Rowena Hay leader of Cheltenham Borough Council said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Cheltenham in July.
We’re renowned as The Festival Town thanks to the many world class sporting and cultural events we host each year. So it’s entirely fitting that the South West leg of the relay should finish in Cheltenham - and for what should be a special event as the Baton arrives at the iconic Pittville Pump Room.
We’re delighted to be working in partnership with The Cheltenham Trust to help make this a truly memorable evening.’’