Newcastle and Gateshead Queen’s Baton Relay route: when will it arrive and when do Commonwealth Games begin?

The Queen’s Baton Relay, which has been making its way around the world over the last weeks and months, is on its way to our region.

The relay will be making its way around Northumberland in the lead up to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games at the end of the month.

If you want to catch a glimpse of the baton in Newcastle, Gateshead or Northumberland, here’s all you need to know about timings and where it will be stopping off at.

What is the Queen’s Baton?

The Queen’s Baton was designed and forged in the West Midlands and presents Queen Elizabeth II.

Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the Baton also features a platinum strand in homage to The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology; 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.

Where has the baton been?

Once it arrives in Birmingham, the baton will have been on a truly global journey.

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).

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when The Queen placed Her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton.

Since then, the Baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania. It still has further destinations in the Caribbean, the Americas, and more countries in Europe, including the Home Nations consisting of five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales.

Where is the baton today?

Today (14 July) the baton has toured around other parts of the region, including Durham, Sunderland, and Seaham.

Where in Northumberland will the baton visit?

The baton starts 15 July in Northumberland before making its way down the coast towards Newcastle and Gateshead.

Below is a schedule published by Northumberland County Council detailing when the baton will pass through Blyth and Alnwick.

Blyth

• ​9:30 am - Join the P.E Teachers in Blyth Market Place for some pre-relay fun! 
• 10:38 am - The Queen’s Baton Relay commences from Belgrave Crescent in Blyth.
• 10:56 am - The Queen’s Baton Relay arrives into Blyth Marketplace where it will be in situ for approx 15 minutes. 
• 11:11 am - The Queen’s Baton departs from Blyth Market Place, our live performers will keep the entertainment going in the Market Place until approx 12.30 pm. 

Alnwick

• ​1:30 pm - Join the P.E Teachers for some live pre-relay activity in the Town Centre! 
• 1:55 pm - The Queen’s Baton Relay activity begins in The Alnwick Garden*
• 2:15 pm - The Queen’s Baton Relay Route commences from The Alnwick Garden.
• 2:27 pm - The Queen’s Baton arrives outside Alnwick Castle where it will then depart. 

When does the baton come through Newcastle and Gateshead?

Newcastle City Council have announced plans are in place to celebrate the baton passing through the region.

The baton is due to start at the Angel of the North at around 4pm.

A spokesperson for the council said: “From 4pm 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 5.30pm to 7.15pm, with the Baton due to arrive at 6.45pm.

“Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community.”