Commonwealth Games Baton Relay to Visit Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has unveiled the route that the Queen’s Baton Relay will take in Yorkshire and the Humber and the rest of the host nation this summer.

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.  

The relay will be in Yorkshire on July 12th and 13th and is scheduled to visit Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay on Wednesday 13th July.

In Whitby the baton will arrive via RNLI Lifeboat.

The full Yorkshire route for the Queen’s Baton will include

•     Tuesday 12 July - Sheffield, Rotherham, Huddersfield, Bradford, and Leeds  
•     Wednesday 13 July – Hull, Beverley, Market Weighton, York, Malton, Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay, and Whitby  

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, celebrating The Queen’s 70th year as Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth.  

The Baton will then resume the international journey, visiting the Falkland Islands, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, before touring home nations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.  

It returns to England on Monday 4 July to commence a 25-day tour of the regions.  

The Baton itself 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; 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.

From sports days with local schools, to community festivals, people will be able to experience the Baton in many ways. 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 Birmingham 2022 website will provide information on the events and where to line the route.

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.   

Ian Reid, Chief Executive of Birmingham 2022 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.”

CGF 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.”    

Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Nigel Huddleston, said:

"The 2022 Queen's Baton Relay is coming home. Travelling the length and breadth of England, the Baton will bring the excitement of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games to every region of the country.

“The Relay marks the final countdown to the biggest sporting event to be held in the UK since London 2012, and I hope people come together and line their streets to celebrate this historic moment.”

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.  

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held from 28 July until 8 August 2022.

For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr