Worcester welcomes Queen's Baton ahead of Commonwealth Games
The Baton is on its way across the Midlands less than a week before the Commonwealth Games get underway in Birmingham
The Queen‘s Baton has been on an incredible journey around the Commonwealth - and yesterday it was Worcester‘s chance to welcome it in during it‘s final journey across England.
Crowds turned out across the city on the final step of its day making its way across the region - carried by an array of inspirational Batonbearers, each with their own unique stories to tell.
Birmingham 2022 selected these Batonbearers on their impact within their local communities, positive influence on challenging others, or contributing to the world of sport, education, arts, culture and charity.
In Worcester, the Baton visited the Cathedral, Cricket Club, Racecourse and finally the Arches Project, which was host to an array of celebratory events late into the night.
Streets were packed with Worcester locals wanting to take a glimpse at this piece of sporting history, which has visited countries across the Commonwealth, donned with special air quality measuring equipment and, of course, the all-important message from the Queen.
At the end of its journey across the region, the Heavy Beat Brass Band paraded to The Arches from City Campus, joined by street performers, an array of musicians and colourful stilt walkers, adding to the city‘s excitement.
Among those who carried the baton were Paralympic silver medalist, Rebecca Redfern, who took the baton across the River Severn on a Dragonboat - before being handed to the winning horse of the 2014 Grand National, Pineau de Re with Batonbearer, Lizzie Brunt.
Well, the Baton leaves the region as fast as it arrived, and is already on its way out of the region.
Making its way across 2,500 miles and 180 communities in just 25 days, it was a whistle-stop tour, but one the community welcomed with open arms.
Today, the Baton is off to Redditch, Bridgnorth and Rugeley, before ending the day in Walsall as it edges ever-closer to its final destination of Aston next Thursday (July 28) - the day the Commonwealth Games officially get underway.
At the Games, Prince Charles will represent the Queen at the Alexander Stadium alongside the Duchess of Cornwall, while the vice-patron of the Commonwealth Federation, Prince Edward, will make the closing remarks on the Games‘ final day on August 8.