Commonwealth Games Baton Relay comes to the East Riding – but Driffield misses out

The Commonwealth Games 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will be visiting Beverley during its journey through England this summer.

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 28 July 2022.

Kicking off on Thursday, 2 June, 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 Monday, 4 July to commence a 25-day tour of the regions.

On Wednesday, 13 July 2022, East Riding of Yorkshire will officially welcome the Baton.

A busy schedule of activities and events are being 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 East Riding of Yorkshire, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Beverley and Market Weighton. Please note, short term road closures are expected on the day and will be announced in due course.

The route for the Baton’s time in East Riding of Yorkshire is as follows:

• BEVERLEY – STARTS at Beverley Minster (10:26) – Highgate – Wednesday Market – Toll Gavel – Saturday Market – Lairgate – New Walk – Molescroft Road – ENDS near Longcroft School (11:02)
  
• MARKET WEIGHTON – STARTS at Beverley Road roundabout (11:29) – High Street – Holme Road – ENDS near Sandwalk, before A1079 roundabout (11:42)

Cllr Jonathan Owen, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are thrilled that the Queen’s Baton will be carried through the streets of Beverley and Market Weighton in celebration of the Commonwealth ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“To be part of this occasion is a real privilege and I’m sure the residents of the East Riding will come out in full support to cheer on the incredible Batonbearers whilst the Baton visits our historic towns this summer.”                         

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 East Riding of Yorkshire is Luke Lambert. Luke from Beverley lost his mum Jenny, 62, to a brain tumour in November 2019. His tragic loss was the inspiration behind the 29-year-old’s five-day, 250-kilometre Wadi Rum Desert ultramarathon in the Jordanian desert, where temperatures reached 42 degrees Celsius.

Luke’s gruelling journey last October saw him develop severe plantar fasciitis in his right foot on the first day, but he pushed through the pain barrier in memory of his mum. He raised more than £23,000 for Brain Tumour Research and Young Minds UK.

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 7 October 2021, 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.

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 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.”