The Queen’s Baton Relay has opened the Commonwealth Games since 1958. At Buckingham Palace, the Queen places a message inside the baton, then passes it to the first baton bearer. It is then taken on a journey across the Commonwealth by thousands of bearers, passing it from hand to hand.

The Birmingham 2022 organising committee has just launched the search for a supplier to design, engineer and fabricate the baton for next year’s relay.

The baton’s design should reflect its status as a symbol of Commonwealth values, celebrating connection, understanding, community and global diversity. It will also represent the UK, and its journey will raise awareness across the world of Birmingham and the West Midlands.

As well as coming up with an innovative design, the successful supplier should bring a creative approach to the fabrication process, and develop a plan for servicing in the baton on its long journey across the world.

To register your interest in this once in a lifetime opportunity, follow this link. There is an online applicant briefing session for those who have registered at 1pm on Tuesday 19 January 2021. Anyone registering interest after that will have access to a recording of the briefing. The deadline for the first stage of the application process is midday on Monday 1 February.

At the end of the baton’s epic journey, it will arrive at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, where the message inside will be read aloud, announcing the official start of the event. It would be wonderful if the symbol of global community at the heart of the ceremony was made right here in Sandwell.