After travelling around the world, the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay has finally arrived in the host city.
The Baton arrived in Birmingham on Wednesday (27 July) ahead of the start of the opening ceremony which gets underway on Thursday (28 July).
Thousands of people around the world have welcomed The Queen’s Baton Relay on its way through countries including Pakistan, The Bahamas, New Zealand and Sierra Leone. The Baton arrived in the region at the weekend and was carried around the Black Country, and Sandwell on Monday, before travelling through Solihull on Tuesday and Birmingham on Wednesday.
Thousands of residents in Birmingham lined the streets as it made its way across the city and into Victoria Square.
The Baton began its tour of the city at theBotanical Gardens, and then travelled through several parks and open spaces as well as locations including Sarehole Mill,Birmingham City FC’s St Andrew’s Stadium and the Balti Triangle.
It made its way through the Gay Village (enjoying a drag queen parade and mini carnival) and Gas Street Basin, before ending the day in the heart of the city centre in Victoria Square – where a special celebration event is taking place this evening.
Numerous road closures were in place to allow the batonbearers to safely pass the baton through the towns, with community events taking place as well. The baton will continue its through the city tomorrow.
Here are 35 photos from the relay in Birmingham on Wednesday
1. Sarb Clare arrives with the Baton arrives at Botanical Gardens
Photo: Jonathan Hipkiss Photography
2. Excitement builds as the Baton arrives in Birmingham
Photo: Jonathan Hipkiss Photography
3. The baton starts its journey through Birmingham
4. Batonbearer Sarb Clare carries the baton around Botanical Gardens