Canterbury’s all set for the Queen’s Baton Relay
Residents and visitors are being encouraged to come out and cheer on the baton bearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay when they take to the streets tomorrow (Thursday 7 July).
Thirteen baton bearers will each take their turn in the spotlight as the relay follows a route from Station Road West to the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts.
It all kicks off at 1.29pm, taking in Station Road West, St Dunstan’s Street, the Westgate Towers, St Peter’s Street, the High Street, The Parade, Rose Lane, the Dane John Gardens, the city wall, St George’s Street, Longmarket, Burgate and the Buttermarket, ending up in the precincts at 2pm.
The confirmed baton bearers, who will complete an approximate 200 metres section of the route each, are:
Attila Pall
Sian Honnor
Paul Harper
Barry Ginley
Joan Mills
Rocky Milsom
Steve Lindsey
Tammy Pullen
Paul Head
Ryan Brett
Ryan will carry the baton on the final leg of the relay into the precincts, where there will be a free community celebration event with speeches, choirs and music. Everybody is welcome to attend this.
Working with a number of partners, the city council has coordinated a series of complementary activities on the themes of music and sport to sit alongside the baton’s arrival.
The Canterbury BID team’s bunting and flowers will ensure the city looks bright and cheerful, and the Medieval Giants (Henry II, Queen Eleanor and Thomas Becket) will be by the Westgate Towers to give the baton bearers a warm welcome.
In Guildhall Street, Active Life is putting on a fitness demonstration, while at the Nasons Garden, singers from Canterbury Academy will be performing. Outside Metro Bank, the U3A choir will be singing.
And in the Dane John Gardens, there will be sports activities to get involved in from Kent County Cricket Club, Canterbury Tennis Club and Active Life, plus art displays from Canterbury College students.
Finally, in the Cathedral Precincts, there will be performances from the cathedral choir and a rock choir, Morris Dancing displays and the chance to try out croquet.
Leader of Canterbury City Council, Cllr Ben Fitter-Harding, said: “It’s a great honour for Canterbury to be part of this international event. Everyone involved in putting it together is looking forward to celebrating the baton’s visit, and in particular, supporting the brilliant baton bearers.
“We hope there will be a great turnout and lots of cheering and clapping as the baton makes its way through the city. It’s a unique sporting and community event for everyone to enjoy.
“We would also like to thank the various groups and organisations who have come forward to help put on the supporting activities. You are all making a special contribution to a day that will be remembered for years to come.”
The Queen’s Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham began in October last year. By the time it reaches Birmingham for the start of the Games on 28 July, it will have visited all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth on its 294-day journey.
Published: 6 July 2022