The countdown is on for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. More than 5,000 athletes from some 72 Commonwealth nations will compete at Alexander Stadium from 28 July to 8 August 2022.
As the excitement of the games builds up, the Queen's Baton Relay has been taking place across the Commonwealth. It's already visited a whole host of countries, including Singapore, Mauritius and Canada.
Now, the relay has returned to England for a second time - and it won't be long before it lands in Manchester. The Baton - which contains a message from the Queen to be read aloud at the Games’ opening ceremony - first came to London for five days in June as part of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
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Afterwards, it was taken to the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, before going to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and then embarking on tours of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The relay came back to England on July 4, for a final 25-day tour of the nation signalling the last stage of its global travel programme.
It concludes at the 17th-century Grade I listed manor of Aston Hall in Birmingham on July 28 – the day of the opening ceremony. The Baton will travel through Greater Manchester on Saturday July 16 and Sunday July 17.
It will pass through MediaCity in Salford and Bellevue Sports Village, one of the legacy venues from the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. Here's where and when you can spot the Baton Relay in Greater Manchester this weekend...
Saturday July 16
Bolton
After passing through Cumbria and Lancashire, the Queen’s Baton Relay continues its tour of the UK with a visit to Bolton. The route will begin on Mayor Street to Croal Street.
The Batonbearer will continue along College Way before turning left on Derby Street and onto Moor Lane, right onto Ormrod Street and towards Great Moor Street. The Baton will then take the slight left towards La Man’s Crescent, before reaching Victoria Square and onto Bolton Town Hall where celebrations will commence.
Spectators can see the relay 6.47pm to 7.07pm
Sunday July 17
Salford
The Batonbearer's journey will begin at MediaCity before making the loop around passed Bridge House and head northeast towards The Quays, where The Baton will reach its destination for a short celebration.
Spectators can see the relay from 8.30am to 9am
Manchester
The Baton Relay will be then visit Bellevue Sports Village , stopping off at the 3x3 basketball tournament. The sports centre is one of the legacy venues from the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, during its time in Greater Manchester.
Spectators can see the Baton from 9.25am
Stockport
The Queen’s Baton Relay visits Stockport on Sunday 17 July. The tour will begin from St Petersgate, heading towards Fletcher Service.
The Baton will then continue onto Market Place, onto Millgate and returning to Market Place and continuing on St Peter’s Square. The Batonbearer will then head east on High Street towards Lower Hillgate and right onto Wellington Road.
The journey will reach its destination by turning left onto Edward Street and arriving at Lacy Street. Spectators can see the Baton at 10.57am.
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Wigan
The Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in Wigan on Sunday 17 July, making its way to Haigh Woodland Park . The Batonbearer will begin the route at Haigh Hall Golf Complex heading southeast on School Lane and following the road until reaching the miniature railway.
The Queen’s Baton Relay will make the return journey from the miniature railway to Haigh Woodland Park where the celebrations will begin. Spectators can see the Baton at 4pm.
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