Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build-up to the Games. Across England, the Queen’s Baton Relay is providing an opportunity for communities to experience the excitement building for the event.
Batonbearers aged between 12 and 75 will be carrying the Baton when it visits County Durham on Thursday 14 July, journeying through first Durham City and then Seaham.
The Queen’s Baton Relay will start at the top of Claypath in Durham City at 3pm, before heading into Market Place and then visiting Palace Green beside Durham Cathedral.
The Baton will then be carried back on to South Bailey and across Prebends Bridge. It will then go via the River Wear where the Baton will be taken by Durham Amateur Rowing Club from the Durham School boat landing to The Racecourse.
The best viewing points for seeing the Baton as it makes its way through Durham City are Palace Green, Prebends Bridge and The Racecourse.
After arriving at The Racecourse, the convoy will travel to Seaham. The procession will start at North Terrace at 5.20pm, heading past the Tommy statue before ending at Vane Tempest Car Park. The iconic Tommy statue on Seaham’s North Terrace will provide the ideal backdrop as the second leg of the County Durham visit nears its end.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said:
“Excitement is really building now as the day of the Queen’s Baton Relay approaches and it promises to be an historic day for County Durham.
“I’m sure plenty of people will want to cheer on our incredible community Batonbearers and I’d encourage members of the public to come along and experience the Relay in either Durham City or Seaham for themselves. It really will be something they won’t forget.”
Members of the public are being reminded that short-term road closures will be in place on the day of the Relay visit.
Access to Claypath and Market Place in Durham City for vehicles will not be possible from 2.45pm to 3.45pm as the relay takes place. In Seaham, access to North Road will not be possible for vehicles between 4.45pm and 5.45pm.