Fun for all the family is promised on Friday 22 July when the Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay visits Worcester during its final journey through England ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games.
Thousands of people are expected to line the city's streets to watch local Batonbearers carry The Queen's Baton through Worcester and across the river Severn from 5.30pm on the day.
And to help build the fun and excitement while the crowds wait for the big moment, Worcester City Council has engaged a range of street entertainers to put smiles on the faces of people of all ages.
Power stilt walkers - who bounce one metre off the ground! – will be in action on High Street between The Cross and Cathedral Square, and they'll be accompanied by the Wonky Olympics, whose comedy stylings see them attempt to recreate all the energy and excitement of the world's biggest sporting events, just using hula hoops, cones and a tiny megaphone.
Over at South Quay and New Road, the fun will be cricket-themed, with roller skating performers dressed as giant cricket balls building up the atmosphere as the crowds gather to cheer on the local Batonbearers.
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, said: "The arrival of The Queen's Baton Relay in Worcester will be a cause for great celebration, and I know the thousands of residents and visitors who will turn out for this historic moment will enjoy all the efforts being made to ensure Friday 22 July is a day to remember.
"Many local people will have the honour of carrying The Queen's Baton through our city, and I am looking forward to joining the crowds to cheer on these local heroes."
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. In England, the Queen's Baton Relay will provide the opportunity for communities to experience the excitement for Birmingham 2022.
The Queen's Baton Relay is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28 July 2022. The Baton will arrive to England on Monday 4 July to commence a 25-day tour of the regions.
On the afternoon of July 22, Worcester will officially welcome the Baton from 5.30pm.
During its time in Worcester, the Queen's Baton Relay will visit Worcester Cathedral, Worcestershire County Cricket Club's famous New Road ground, and the new Arches – Worcester development. It will cross the River Severn, the longest river in England - and make a memorable visit to Worcester Racecourse.
More details of its route through Worcester will be revealed very soon.
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. The Birmingham 2022 website gives more detail on the events and where to line the route.
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. Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers will carry the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.
The Queen's Baton will travel via land, air and sea, and more than 180 communities in England will experience the Relay on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). From energetic cities and historic market towns, to rolling countryside and rugged coastline, the Baton will head as far south as Cornwall and as far north as Northumberland.
Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen's Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games.
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, the Americas and the Caribbean. In the Home Nations, the Baton Relay is spending five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales, where it will finish on Sunday 3 July, before returning to England for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.
