Queen’s Baton Relay 2022: Carriers, dates and route confirmed for Newcastle and Gateshead

The Queen's Baton Relay is set to spend two days in the North East ahead of the Commonwealth Games this summer.

The event drums up excitement for the Games in Birmingham this summer and is part of a larger tradition which has happened 15 times previously.

This summer will be the 16th official Queen's Baton Relay and will travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on July 29.

The relay kicks off on Thursday, June 2 in London and works its way across the country from there.

On Friday, July 15 the Baton will make its way through Gateshead and Newcastle.

A busy schedule of activities and events are planned for the Queen’s Baton Relay, with opportunities to highlight untold stories from Batonbearers who are striving for change in their community.

From 4 pm on July 15, the Baton will make its way along the A167 from the Angel of the North to Saltwell Park.

There will then be a community event at Saltwell Park where members of the public will have the chance to see the Baton before it makes its way to the River Tyne where it will be handed over to Batonbearers in Newcastle.

Starting from the Quayside, the Baton will be taken up Dean Street and Grey Street, around Grey’s Monument, and return to the Quayside for an end-of-day celebration.

The celebration takes place from 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm, with the Baton due to arrive at 6:45 pm.

Gateshead Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, Councillor Angela Douglas said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate sport and sporting heroes in the local community.

“I’m delighted that we have been selected as a host and I’d encourage everyone to get behind Team England and show their support in the run-up to, and during the Commonwealth Games 2022.”

Cllr Nick Kemp, leader elect of Newcastle City Council, said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay is an important milestone in the run up to the Commonwealth Games, and I’m delighted the North East will be hosting the Baton in July.

“It’s a great opportunity to look ahead to a wonderful summer of sport while celebrating some of our local heroes who make a great difference to our communities.”

Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity.

Among those representing the North East as Batonbearers is Gateshead’s Marianne Dodds who, after suffering from mental health issues set up a running club to help others overcome issues through the power of running and fitness – the club now has over 1,000 members.

Newcastle, meanwhile, is represented by Diana Award winner Harriotte Lane who has raised more than £100,000 for different charitable causes in recent years.