The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is confirmed to visit Carlisle during its final journey through England this summer, as details of the route are revealed.
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 showstopping 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 July 28.
Kicking off on June 2, the baton will spend four days in London, coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend. The baton will then resume the international journey and return to England on July 4 to commence a 25-day tour of the regions.
On Saturday, July 16, Carlisle will officially welcome the baton.
The baton will also pass through the Lake District – and will even use one of the area’s zip wires.
A busy schedule of activities and events are planned for the Queen’s Baton Relay, with opportunities to highlight untold stories from Batonbearers who are striving for change in their community.
During its time in Carlisle, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit the city centre pedestrianised area and will be welcomed by performers taking part in a Unity Festival planned to be hosted in Tullie House gardens.
The schedule of activity for the Baton’s time in Carlisle includes a route that will take in key landmarks such as Carlisle Cathedral.
Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community.
The event has been supported by Carlisle City Council. Cllr Stephen Higgs, Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure said: “We’re delighted that Carlisle has been chosen as one of the venues for The Queen’s Baton Relay. This international showcase will give the city a starring role and will promote the region to a global audience. We hope visitors come out in support of the Batonbearers.”
Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers will carry the baton each day, and the relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.
One of the confirmed community Batonbearers in Carlisle is Mina Banisaeid. Mina moved to Cumbria from Iran and has used her time and positive outlook to inspire and educate others. She is the Chair of Carlisle City of Sanctuary supporting refugees and asylum seekers to find sanctuary within our city, actively organising and attending events and translating.
She is an activist and articulately voices her opinion around minority groups. She also works as an advocate for LGBTQ+ young people at the charity Pride in North Cumbria.
Travelling via land, air and sea, more than 180 communities in England will experience the Queen’s Baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). From energetic cities and historic market towns, to rolling countryside and rugged coastline, the baton will head as far south as Cornwall and as far north as Northumberland.
Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games.
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on October 7, when The Queen placed Her Message to the Commonwealth into the baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the baton.
Since then, the baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa and Oceania. It still has further destinations in the Caribbean, the Americas, and more countries in Europe, including the Home Nations consisting of five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales, where it will finish on July 3, before returning to England in summer for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.
The dates of when the Baton visits each region are:
- 4 July – 5 July: South West
- 6 July – 7 July: South East
- 8 July – 9 July: East of England
- 10 July – 11 July: East Midlands
- 12 July – 13 July: Yorkshire and the Humber
- 14 July – 15 July: North East
- 16 July – 17 July: North West
- 18 July – 28 July: West Midlands
Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen’s Baton Relay, said: “Whilst the baton has been travelling across the Commonwealth, we have worked closely with local authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“Yet the Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. 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 West Midlands history. And by the time the baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it.
“We hope that 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.”
Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay symbolises hope, solidarity and collaboration across the Commonwealth at a time when it is needed most. It continues to inspire people wherever it goes and creates huge excitement for Birmingham 2022 as it journeys towards the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on July 28.”
Throughout May, the Queen’s Baton Relay continues its journey through the Caribbean and the Americas, with visits to St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda and Canada, amongst others.
How is The Queen’s Baton made?
The Queen’s Baton for Birmingham 2022 was created in a West Midlands collaboration that fused art, technology and science. Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the baton also features a platinum strand in homage to The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year.
It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology; a 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.
