Hundreds turn out to watch Queen’s Baton Relay with Games just days away

Hundreds of people have turned out to watch the Queen’s Baton Relay as it toured the streets of Staffordshire this week with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games now just days away.

Despite extremely hot weather on Monday and Tuesday as the relay made its way through Newcastle, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stafford and Stone, people came out to enjoy the event safely in their area.

On Wednesday the Queen’s Baton Relay reached East Staffordshire, Lichfield and Tamworth and included an event at the county council-run Chasewater Country Park. The baton even took to the water on a wakeboard at Chasewater and with canoeists in Stone.

Other Staffordshire landmarks on route included the Roaches, Stafford Castle, the National Memorial Arboretum and Lichfield Cathedral.

Anyone who missed the action during the week and still see the Queen’s Baton Relay as it tours Cannock Chase and South Staffordshire tomorrow (Saturday).

Full details of the route and timings can be found at: www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay/route/england

Now with the opening ceremony just six days away, Staffordshire residents are being reminded of two event the county is hosting. On Wednesday August 3, the mountain biking event takes place on the trails of Cannock Chase. The following day, Thursday August 4, the cycling time trial event will take in a section of South Staffordshire roads close to Wombourne, starting a finishing at Wolverhampton’s West Park.

People can find out more about both events, including timings and road closures at: www.Birmingham2022.com/sports

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture Victoria Wilson said: “This week’s Queen’s Baton Relay has been fantastic, travelling through each district and borough around the county.

“Despite the incredibly hot weather earlier this week, hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the event, and importantly this has been a real and lasting tribute to every volunteer who took part. Each of them has an incredible story to tell and are valued within their communities.

“People can still come along to see the Queen’s Baton Relay in South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase on Saturday which I’m sure will be great events.

“We’re now looking forward to the main event – seeing some of the world’s finest athletes, including our own from Staffordshire.”