On July 5, Cheltenham will officially welcome the Queen's Baton as part of the 16th official Queen's Baton Relay.

Described as an exciting journey which brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth, it will take place during the build up to 11 days of show-stopping sport at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

During its time in Cheltenham, the Queen's Baton Relay will visit The Prince of Wales Stadium before travelling through Pittville Park culminating with a reception and community celebration on the steps of Pittville Pump Room.

The celebration will begin from 5pm with the baton expected to arrive into Cheltenham at around 6pm.

Cllr Rowena Hay leader of Cheltenham Borough Council said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome the Queen's Baton Relay to Cheltenham in July.

"We're renowned as The Festival Town thanks to the many world class sporting and cultural events we host each year. So it's entirely fitting that the South West leg of the relay should finish in Cheltenham - and for what should be a special event as the Baton arrives at the iconic Pittville Pump Room. We're delighted to be working in partnership with The Cheltenham Trust to help make this a truly memorable evening.''

Laurie Bell, chief executive of The Cheltenham Trust, said: "The Cheltenham Trust is pleased to support this high profile prestigious event bringing the Commonwealth Games baton relay to Cheltenham. We are delighted to welcome the baton at the Prince of Wales stadium, and to host the official reception at Pittville Pump Room at the end of its south west region tour.

"This is a unique opportunity for the local community to enjoy the spectacle of the baton and to support the relay carriers as it makes its way from the stadium, through Pittville Park to the pump room providing the perfect back drop for the final leg. The trust will host free, live music to ensure a special event for Cheltenham."

A busy schedule of activities and events are planned for the Queen's Baton Relay, with opportunities to highlight untold stories from Baton-bearers who are striving for change in their community.

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."