As the hours count down towards the eagerly awaited Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Birmingham, the Queen’s Baton Relay is set to hitch a ride on board a West Midlands Metro tram as it passes through the Midlands.
The last leg of the relay’s penultimate day will see the baton and its bearer carried on a special tram from Broad Street to Library, Centenary Square as the city prepares for the start of the games on Thursday July 28.
Sophie Allison, West Midlands Metro Interim Managing Director, commented: “It may only be a short hop between these stops, but we are immensely proud to be involved in this inspiring celebration of equality, inclusivity, and connectivity through sport.
“These themes underpin the two days the Baton will spend in Birmingham, and they are principles we wholeheartedly embrace.”
“In fact, we can’t wait to help carry the baton and its message from the Her Majesty, The Queen that will launch 11 days of fantastic sport in our city.”
The special tram is set to be boarded by the baton bearer and team from Broad Street on the evening of Wednesday July 27, before arriving at Library stop in Centenary Square a few minutes later.
Later it will pass a number of local landmarks before arriving at the Alexander Stadium as part of the Opening Ceremony for the Games.
“Throughout the games we are looking forward to helping thousands of visitors to get around the city, including to our new stops which opened last week as part of the westside extension to Edgbaston,” Sophie added.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “It was only a week ago that we marked the opening of the Westside Metro extension – well timed to welcome on board visitors to our region for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“And this week the Metro will be welcoming on board a very special visitor – The Queen’s Baton! As the Baton Relay makes its way through Birmingham city centre, I’m pleased a key part of our public transport system will be playing host as the eyes of the world are upon us.”
Further details of the baton relay’s route around the West Midlands can be found here.
