The Queen's Baton Relay will visit Deal, Walmer and Dover on Thursday, 7 July
Route takes in Deal & Walmer, culminating with a party at Dover Castle
The Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in White Cliffs Country in spectacular style on Thursday, 7 July with a host of family-themed entertainment along the route from Deal to Walmer and culminating in a ticket-only party for 2,500 people at Dover Castle.
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 Commonwealth 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 through White Cliffs Country is due to start at 6pm from Deal Pier which was opened in 1957 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
There will be a distinctly nautical theme as the Queen’s Baton is greeted by Lord Nelson – in character from The History Project - a sea shanty by local group Kellet Gut Shantymen, and the Rotary Pirates. The Deal Carnival Queen and Court will also be in attendance.
Our local Batonbearers
The Queen’s Baton Relay then heads along the seafront from Deal to Walmer ending at the Borrow Pitt car park. Among the Batonbearers will be Kevin Brown and Nikki Smith from Deal, and Jamie Clark and Tim Hyde from Dover, each with an inspiring story and who have made a positive impact in the community through their contributions to sport, education, the arts, culture, or charity.
Tim Hyde said: “It's an incredible honour to be asked to be part of the Queen's Baton Relay. I am proud to have been nominated and asked to carry the Baton in the Dover area. Dover is a beautiful place and I hope that seeing the Baton carried through the area will be a chance for people across the Commonwealth to see some of its amazing scenery and people.”
Nikki Smith said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be nominated to be a Batonbearer for the Commonwealth Games, having had a life-long interest in sport both as an athlete and member of Deal Tri. I am also an advocate of our local Walmer and Deal Park run.”
Jamie Clark who has Down's syndrome also carried the Olympic Torch in 2012. His mum, Sue Clark, said: “Jamie turns 31 this year and being chosen to carry the Queen’s Baton is the icing on the cake. He always leaves the people he meets inspired by his achievements and is an incredible ambassador for the Pegasus Playscheme. He is so excited to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay! He loves his uniform and can’t wait to hear the Queen’s message.”
Cheer on the Baton Relay!
Residents and visitors will have many opportunities to see the Queen’s Baton Relay as it passes by and enjoy free entertainment on the bandstand on Walmer Green with the Deal Music and Arts (DMA) Community Band.
A special commemorative flag designed by 11-year-old Izzy Kirby from Dover will feature on one thousand flags being handed out to people lining the route of the Queen’s Baton Relay. The flag will also be raised at Dover Castle.
Following a short visit to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the Queen’s Baton Relay will arrive at Dover Castle at around 7.30pm where it will be greeted by a sell-out crowd of 2,500 people.
Hosted by Dover District Council and English Heritage the party features a host of entertainment including a disco with Mark 1 Sound & Light, and live music from local acts, Gentlemen of Few and Rudie Edwards.
Historical characters, including King Henry II and his Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine will be keeping the crowds entertained in the spectacular grounds of Dover Castle.
The arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay part way through the evening will be accompanied by a fanfare from the Band of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and a rousing gun salute from Palace Green.
Fresh from their success at the cheerleading World Championships in Florida, the Dover-based Vista Twisters will give a spectacular display of gymnastics, stunting and dance.
The finale of the party will feature the Band of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and as the event ends at 9pm, the Great Tower will be lit up in patriotic red, white, and blue.
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, the Leader of Dover District Council, said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay promises to be a spectacular event for the district, and we hope residents come out to soak up the party atmosphere and cheer on the Batonbearers as they pass through Deal and Walmer.”
Notes to editors:
- The party at Dover Castle is ticket only. All tickets have now been allocated. There is blue badge parking only at Dover Castle which must be booked in advance.
- The Queen’s Baton for Birmingham 2022 was created in a West Midlands collaboration that fused art, technology, and science. 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. For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr
- English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. Registered charity no. 1140351 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Posted on 30 June 2022