Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay to visit Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme as full England route revealed

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Belong Heritage Gallery, as one of many stops on its final journey through England this summer, as the full route is revealed.
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, as the 11 days of showstopping sport nears ever closer.
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 England leg has a busy schedule of activities and events planned, with opportunities to highlight untold stories from Batonbearers who are striving for change in their community. On Monday 18th July, the Queen’s Baton will visit Belong and the Belong Heritage Gallery during its journey through the West Midlands.
Funded thanks to National Lottery players, the Belong Heritage Gallery opened in 2018 and will house a new exhibition commemorating the life of local hero, Philip Astley, widely acknowledged as the father of modern circus. Performer and showman, Andrew Van Buren, and choreographer, Daniel Jones, will be leading the spectacle of dance, illusion and plate spinning as the baton makes its way through the village.
One of the confirmed community Batonbearers in Staffordshire is Tracy Paine, a co-founder of Belong villages, who was nominated for her contribution in transforming care settings for people with dementia.
Martin Rix, Belong chief executive, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this historic occasion. It couldn’t be more fitting that we’ll have the opportunity to showcase Newcastle-under-Lyme’s heritage as the original home of modern circus, and residents, colleagues and local school children are all looking forward to joining in the spectacle as the Queen’s Baton follows its route through the Belong village and heritage gallery.”
Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen's Baton Relay, said: “Whilst the Baton has been travelling across the Commonwealth, we have worked closely with Local Authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“Yet the Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history. And by the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it.
“We hope that communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”
For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr

Picture Above: Kadeena Cox receiving the Baton from The Queen at the Queen's Baton Relay launch
Below: Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme welcomes the Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay