Maldon District Council has announced the Queen's Baton Relay will visit the town on its way to the Commonwealth Games this summer.

Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen's Baton Relay, celebrating communities across the Commonwealth in the build up to the event.

The relay means communities can take part in the run-up to Birmingham 2022, where the 11 days of 'showstopping' sport will be held.

Maldon District will officially welcome the Baton on Friday 8 July.

The Baton is set to travel across England for 29 days, before arriving at the Opening Ceremony in Birmingham on July 28.

But first, the Baton will spend four days in London, coinciding with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend, from June 2.

It will then resume its international journey and return to England on Monday 4 July to commence a 25-day tour.

In the Maldon District, the Relay will visit Maldon's Promenade Park, where ten 'Batonbearers' (their official name) will take turns to carry it on a 2km loop through the park, with a quick visit to the statue of Byrhthnoth.

Batonbearers will stop by Byrhthnoth, as most locals do when visiting Prom Park (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

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Councillor Penny Channer, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "We are delighted that Maldon District was chosen to welcome the Queen's Baton Relay during its incredible journey around the Commonwealth.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the local community to Promenade Park, to cheer the Queen's Baton along its way."                                                          

The schedule for the Baton's Maldon visit:

• Afternoon: arrival of the Queen's Baton from Southend, and official greetings
• Batonbearers run around Promenade Park
• Baton departs to visit Lee Valley and Hemel Hempstead

Further activities will be announced in due course.

Thousands of Baton-bearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will carry the Baton across the country.

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: a 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.

For more information on the Queen's Baton Relay, visit the website.