Bath school children to formally welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay

Primary school children from Bath will dress in traditional Roman clothing to welcome the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay to the city on 5th July. 

The Year 6 pupils from St Andrew’s Church School will sport Roman togas and form a guard of honour when the baton arrives at the Roman Baths.

Alongside the children will be the Gloucester-based Ermine Street Guards, the leading society studying the Roman army and its equipment.

The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay will first arrive in Bath at the Royal Crescent at around 9.30am on 5th July, making its way down through the city and ending at the Roman Baths at approximately 10am. It will then leave the city outside the Guildhall.

The route of the baton can be viewed on the council’s dedicated webpage alongside details of the Batonbearers and travel advice for anyone wishing to watch the baton’s journey on the day.

Councillor Kevin Guy, council Leader, said: “This is going to be a very proud moment for St Andrew’s School and I am looking forward to seeing the children playing their part in welcoming the baton to our historic city. I’d encourage residents to get involved with the celebrations too and embrace the arrival of the baton. Why not have a look at our map and plan where you will watch the baton’s arrival – it’s going to be a chance to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 on your doorstep.”

Jayne Rochford-Smith, Headteacher at St Andrew's Church School, said: “St Andrew's Church School feel privileged and honoured to be invited to be part of the Queen's Baton Relay. This will be a wonderful experience for Year 6 during their last term at St Andrew's and also celebrates our long-term collaboration with the Roman Baths and their wonderful education team.”

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. 

The relay began on 7th October 2021, with Her Majesty The Queen placing her Message to the Commonwealth into the baton. The baton is now on its 294-day long journey to every corner of the Commonwealth. It 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 28th July 2022.

Further information on the Queen’s Baton Relay can be found at www.birmingham2022.com/qbr

Photo: Ermine Street Guards