The Queen’s Baton Relay community events leave lasting legacy in Shropshire
Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, has hailed the success of community events staged in Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth to celebrate The Queen’s Baton Relay passing though the county.
Shropshire Council and partner organisations marked The Queen’s Baton Relay passing through the towns with free community events celebrating sports and the Commonwealth.
The Queen’s Baton Relay event at The Quarry, Shrewsbury
Jointly, more than 8,000 people are estimated to have enjoyed the celebrations, and the two events are estimated to have boosted Shropshire’s economy by around £112,000.
The Queen’s Baton Relay route in Bridgnorth
Lezley said:-
“A huge amount of effort went into planning and delivering the community events around the arrival of the Relay in Shropshire.
“We were delighted our bid to host the Relay in both Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth was successful and excellent partnership working meant we were able to support the community events to the maximum.
“Thousands of people turned out to show their support, lining the streets in both towns as the Relay passed, and then joining the celebrations at The Quarry in Shrewsbury and at Severn Park in Bridgnorth.
“Both events having brought a boost to Shropshire’s economy by encouraging visitors and local people to visit the towns, and importantly, they have opened up opportunities for people to explore what Shropshire can offer in terms of sport and culture.”
In Shrewsbury, Shropshire Council teamed with Energize Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, Shrewsbury BID, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Festivals. Schools, sports clubs, arts organisations and local groups from across the county took part and the crowds were entertained with dance, arts, music, and sports.
The Queen’s Baton Relay event at The Quarry, Shrewsbury
In Bridgnorth, Shropshire Council worked with Bridgnorth Town Council, Energize Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and Sporting Bridgnorth to encourage sports and wellbeing groups to offer taster sessions. Sports such as junior football, golf, bowling, rugby, netball, gymnastics, running, rowing and boxing were all represented.
The Queen’s Baton Relay
Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, and transport, added:-
“The celebrations organised by Shropshire Council and our partners certainly added to the excitement and created standout memories for everyone involved.
“Both community events have left a lasting legacy and created opportunities for people to discover how much we can offer people living and working in Shropshire, as well as promoting the county to a wider audience.”
