Neath Port Talbot will be welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay next month in celebration of the Commonwealth Games, which this year is being held in Birmingham.

The baton will visit the Hydrogen Centre at the Baglan Energy Park on the morning of Saturday, July 2, before proceeding to Margam Country Park where it is due to arrive at 11am.

Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a proud tradition for the Games. The current Relay began on 7 October, 2021, with the Queen placing her Message to the Commonwealth inside the Baton.

The Baton is now on its 294-day long journey to every corner of the Commonwealth.

The Relay will travel through Wales over five days, before returning to England, culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on July 28th, 2022.

Beginning its Welsh run on Wednesday 29 June in Anglesey, the Baton will travel down the country and across South Wales, finishing its run in Swansea on Sunday July 3rd.

The schedule of activity for the Baton’s time in Margam Park includes its arrival at 11am with the relay starting in front of Margam Castle before the baton bearers taking it on a journey around the park.

MORE NEWS

The Physical Activity and Sports Service will be putting on an afternoon of Commonwealth activities in the park from 12 - 2pm involving local children.

People are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton. The Commonwealth Games Team Wales website will be updated with information over the coming weeks, with detail on the events and where to line the route.

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Stephen Hunt, said: “Neath Port Talbot is immensely proud to be hosting the Queen’s Baton Relay, especially in this year of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee."

Cllr Jeremy Hurley, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Wellbeing added: “The visit to the Energy Park and Hydrogen Centre will focus attention on this council’s commitment to a greener, cleaner future through its DARE (Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy) strategy and the arrival of the batons at Margam Country Park will showcase one of our best known visitor attractions.”