Luton Borough Council

06/07/2022 - Bring a picnic to Wardown Park and watch the Baton Relay this Friday

The Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in Wardown Park this Friday (8 July), with a free community celebration taking place near the tennis courts as it travels around the park between 4-6pm.

The baton bearer for Luton is Maleehah Liaquat, who will be holding the baton in memory of her sister Amani, who was originally asked to carry the baton before tragically passing away from a brain tumour on February at 23.

Brain Tumour Research nominated Amani as baton bearer after her dedication to campaigning for the charity.

Entertainment will be provided along the route, which will progress on the Old Bedford Road side of the park starting at Wardown House, through the garden, around the river, past the playground, across the bridge and to the gardens at the side of Wardown House near the tennis courts.

The main entertainment will be provided by local spoken word impresarios Soul Food Poetry, with live music and DJs.

Robin Porter, Chief Executive of Luton Council, said: “We’re delighted the Baton Relay is coming to our town, and we’re especially keen to encourage residents down to Wardown Park this Friday to support Maleehah in her poignant journey in memory of her sister.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for families and friends to get together and bring a picnic down to our wonderful Wardown Park, and to enjoy each other’s company in a nice atmosphere, while watching local entertainment that will reflect the diversity, culture, and heritage of our town.”

Birmingham 2022 is staging the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – an epic journey across the Commonwealth, with The Queen’s Baton visiting all 72 nations and territories – in the lead up to the Games this summer, and Friday will see the baton pass through Luton.

For more event details visit the events pages on our website.

Visit the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay website for more information.