Queen’s Baton Relay to Pass Through Guildford in July

Published on: 14 May, 2022
Updated on: 16 May, 2022

Kadeena Cox receives the baton from The Queen at Buckingham Palace and commences the 2,500-mile relay in October (2021).

The Queen’s Baton Relay, part of the build-up to “Birmingham 2022”, the 16th Commonwealth Games, will visit Guildford during its final journey through England this summer.

The relay is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the opening ceremony for the games on July 28 2022. From Thursday, June 2, the baton will spend four days in London, coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend.

The relay will then resume the international part of its journey and return to England on Monday, July 4 to commence a 25-day tour of the regions.

On Thursday, July 7 Surrey will officially welcome the Baton.

A busy schedule of activities and events are planned for the Queen’s Baton Relay, with opportunities to highlight untold stories from Batonbearers who are striving for change in their community.

The view from Newlands Corner.

During its time in Surrey the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Newlands Corner and will be cheered on by local school children with the backdrop of the stunning Newlands Corner viewpoint.

The schedule of activity for the baton’s time in Surrey includes local school children cheering on the baton bearers at the Newlands Corner viewpoint at 8am on Thursday, July.

Cllr Joss Bigmore

Guildford Borough Council leader of Joss Bigmore said: “We’re proud to have the Queen’s Baton Relay coming to Guildford.

“Keeping fit and healthy is so important for all ages and events like this not only shine a light on sports, but encourage us all to stay active and have fun. Thanks to all involved in making this happen.

“Our borough is full of beautiful green spaces and parks for residents and visitors to enjoy plus much more. If you’re coming to Surrey, make sure you take time to visit Guildford.”

And Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver added: “We feel extremely privileged to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Surrey, and are very proud to showcase the beautiful Surrey Hills as the backdrop to part of the Queens Baton route across the Commonwealth.

Cllr Tim Oliver Photo Graham Larter

“I’m sure the local school children that have been able to take part in welcoming the Baton to Surrey will remember this for years to come. It’s great for Surrey to be a little bit of history.”

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 bearers will carry the baton each day, and the relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.

Surrey’s Batonbearer

International and Olympic hockey player, Zach Wallace from Caterham was nominated as an official baton bearer for Surrey. Zach is a homegrown hockey hero, starting out playing for Oxted and then Surbiton hockey clubs and then going on to make his international debut in October 2018, appearing at a World Cup and two EuroHockey Championships with England before starring in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics where GB finished fifth. Zach recently made his debut as captain for England.

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 cities and market towns, to rolling countryside and rugged coastline, the baton will head as far south as Cornwall and as far north as Northumberland.

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 in the baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first batonbearer for the forthcoming games.

Since then, the baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania. It still has further destinations in the Caribbean, the Americas, and more countries in Europe, including the Home Nations consisting of five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales, where it will finish on Sunday July 3, before returning to England in summer for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.

The Queen’s Baton

The Queen’s Baton for Birmingham 2022 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.