Blackpool celebrates the Queen's Baton Relay

The countdown to the Commonwealth Games is on and the coastal town didn't disappoint with their display

Author: Lucy RobertsPublished 16th Jul 2022
Last updated 16th Jul 2022

The Queen’s Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games passed through Blackpool today while on its Lancashire leg of its journey.

It visited iconic sights including the Pleasure Beach, Comedy Carpet and the world famous Tower Ballroom – it even took a trip on a classic Blackpool tram.

The hot weather didn’t stop the crowds who came out in their droves to celebrate the baton passing through the coastal town.

Ultra-marathon runner from Lytham St Annes, Anthony Howarth, was tasked with bringing the baton into the town.

While Keith Stevenson from Blackpool received it and will take it to its next stop which is Preston.

Stevenson was chosen to be a baton bearer as he’s been running a charity to help those recovering from addiction with housing, support and recovery for over 10 years.

Despite now being in his 70s, the Bispham resident is more committed to his work than ever and was grateful of the support the crowds in Blackpool gave him today.

The baton will continue to Preston, before it arrives in Bolton tonight and continues on to Salford and Manchester tomorrow morning.

The Commonwealth Games get underway in Birmingham from Thursday 28 July.

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