The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Northumberland during its  journey through England this summer, as the full route is revealed.
 

On Friday, July 15, the county will officially welcome the Queen's Baton Relay – through the streets of Blyth and Alnwick – and residents are being encouraged to come along and give the event a rousing Northumberland welcome. 
 

Starting next month, the Queen's Baton Relay will travel the length and breadth of England for 29 days, before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for the Birmingham 2022 games on 28 July.  
 

The schedule of activity for the Baton’s time in Blyth includes: ·  

10.40am - Baton leaves Ridley Park 

10.58am - Baton arrives in the Marketplace for a short celebration event 

In Alnwick the timings include: 

1.47pm - celebration event in The Alnwick Garden 

2.07pm - Baton travels through the town to Alnwick Castle 

Councillor Jeff Watson, Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member for Healthy Lives, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for the county and we’re honoured to have the Baton here. 
 

“We hope people will be lining the streets to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of the games in our own communities. 
 

“We know from previous events such as the Tours of Britain cycle races and the Olympic torch relay what a great spectacle these things are and we’re really looking forward to a special day for Northumberland.” 
 

The Birmingham 2022 website will be updated with information over the coming months, with more detail on the events and where to line the route.  
 

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).  
 

Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games. 
 

Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen's Baton Relay, 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 the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history.  
 

“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.” 
 

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. 
 

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