Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Two runners with baton

The Commonwealth Games and Queen’s Baton Relay brought hundreds of thousands of people to the region, allowing Solihull to showcase the best of itself on a global scale. We took full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity as Solihull residents and visitors dined on a feast of sport and culture during this glorious summer.

The Queen’s Baton Relay visited Solihull on Tuesday 26 July, just two days before the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It was day 292 of 294 of the Baton’s epic global journey, as it toured all 72 Commonwealth Nations and Territories in the run up to the incredible opening ceremony.

Solihull put on a real show for the day, with thousands of residents turning out to enjoy more than 20 community events taking place to welcome the 140 Batonbearers as they covered more than 40 miles on foot, in wheelchairs, on bikes, on an autonomous vehicle, and on a horse-drawn barge.

Baton relay runner

The Batonbearers were all specially chosen for their contributions to their community. They included sportspeople, like former boxing champion Wayne Elcock, community champions like Sajida Golby and inspiring young people like Mason Silver. Between them, they represented the very best of our borough, and it was a proud moment for them and for Solihull as their hard work, determination, and selflessness was recognised by the whole community.

The day finished with a musical extravaganza in Jubilee Gardens, as the Queen’s Baton Relay flag fluttered high above on the Council House. The show featured a performance from The Band of The Grenadier Guards and a new community musical On Yer Bike in front of hundreds of lucky residents who won tickets in a free ballot.

Baton relay in Mell Square

Once the Games themselves got underway, hundreds of people came out to enjoy them in the Town Centre at Solihull’s two Festival Sites in Mell Square and Theatre Square. With big screens showing all the action, excellent food and drink from local vendors and the chance to get involved in many sporting activities and have-a-go sessions. All of this was helped along by the cheerful presence of our Games Ambassadors. These specially trained volunteers helped residents and visitors get the most out of their Games experience in Solihull.

At the NEC, there was a host of top quality sporting action taking place. Emily Campbell’s unforgettable gold, a glut of boxing success including Delicious Orie’s Heavyweight triumph and the excellent entertainment from all the sports on show at the venue will not be forgotten quickly by anyone in attendance. The event showed, once again, that Solihull knows how to deliver world-class events on a global scale. 

Sport wasn’t the only thing on offer, with residents also benefitting from the ongoing Birmingham 2022 festival, which not only featured On Yer Bike, but a huge selection of cultural entertainment in the borough.

As the Games neared their end, the Leader and Deputy Leader of Solihull Council, Councillors Courts and Grinsell, reflected on what the games had brought to the borough.