A GRAND NATIONAL winner, a trip on a dragon boat and the sight of community champions from Worcester being cheered on were all part of the fun as the Queen’s Baton Relay came to town.
The celebration of the Commonwealth Games passed through Worcester to kick off the final week of a worldwide tour which will end at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium for the Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony on Thursday (July 28).
Our photographer Marcus Mingins was on hand to capture all the action.
Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, had the honour of carrying the baton during the journey through Worcester including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity.
After arriving in the city, the baton made its way down Worcester’s High Street in the hands of batonbearers such as Paralympian Katrina Hart and champions like Sally Ellison and Paul Taylor.
After being taken on a tour of the Cathedral by John Clark, one of the highlights of the trip was a trip down the River Severn by Paralympian Rebecca Redfern propelled by Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club.
AFTER being returned to dry land, the baton was carried through Worcestershire’s CCC historic New Road cricket ground and Cripplegate Park.
Baton bearers including Tony Frobisher and Phillip Fowler were among those to carry the symbol of the Commonwealth Games down Hylton Road and across Sabrina Bridge.
A ‘stable’ arrival at Worcester Racecourse saw the baton taken around the course by Grand National winner Pineau De Re and jockey Lizzie Brunt before being handed over to Neil Bates.
The Arches-Worcester and the University of Worcester’s City Campus provided the backdrop to the end of the relay and celebrations to see the baton off to its next destination.
After the opening ceremony the Birmingham 20222 Commonweath Games kick off on Friday and run until August 8.
Visit www.birmingham2022.com for more.
