The Queen's Baton Relay is set to pass through Bristol ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this year. The relay will see the baton visit cities around England as well as other countries, before arriving in Birmingham for the opening ceremony of the games on July 28.
The tour is set to stop off in Bristol on July 5 and the event will be marked by a range of activities. The baton will visit the Empire Fighting Chance Charity at 11am, where the batonbearer will spar with local boxers, including former Commonwealth Champion and World Champion, Lee Haskins.
The baton will then head to St Agnes Park for 11.20am to meet with children from local schools. People who want to watch it pass through Bristol are encouraged to join the school children at the park.
Read more: Australian state Victoria to host 2026 Commonwealth Games
The baton will also visit artificial surfing environment The Wave in South Gloucestershire during its journey on that day. Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said: “I know the power sport has to change lives, I am looking forward to welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay to Bristol this summer. We are one of hundreds of communities across the country that make up part of the route in the lead up to the games.
“When we were asked to choose a venue for the Batonbearer to visit, Empire Fighting Chance’s boxing gym was an obvious choice, as not only have they produced Commonwealth champions, they make a real difference to the lives of local young people every day. The baton being here gives us a chance to recognise sport in our communities, as well as to celebrate the diversity and international links of our population across the city.”
The baton will be carried by between 40 and 130 people on each day of its journey, and they have been selected based on their inspiring backgrounds and stories. The baton relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games.
Phil Batty, director of ceremonies, culture and the Queen's Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games, 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 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.”
