The Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay's route has been revealed, and the route includes a visit to the Severn Valley Railway.
Birmingham is to host the 16th Baton Relay as part of the buildup to the Commonwealth Games.
The Baton Relay is set to travel around England for 29 days before finishing at the Opening Ceremony in Birmingham on the 28th July 2022.
Kicking off on Thursday 2nd June, the Baton will spend four days in London, which coincides with the Platinum Jubilee Weekend.
The Baton will then continue its international journey, returning to England on Monday 4th July to start a 25 day tour of regions.
On Saturday 23rd July 2022, the Baton will visit the Severn Valley Railway as part of its journey through the West Midlands.
Special Baton services are set to be operated on the Severn Valley Railway by 34027 Taw Valley, which will appear in its special Platinum Jubilee livery.
The dates of when the Baton visits each region are:
- 4 July – 5 July: South West
- 6 July – 7 July: South East
- 8 July – 9 July: East of England
- 10 July – 11 July: East Midlands
- 12 July – 13 July: Yorkshire and the Humber
- 14 July – 15 July: North East
- 16 July – 17 July: North West
- 18 July – 28 July: West Midlands
Helen Smith, the SVR's Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that the Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay will visit the Severn Valley Railway on 23 July, as part of its incredible journey through England this summer. We are looking forward to celebrating the arrival of the Baton and everyone here is excited to give it a warm welcome.”
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. 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.”
