Canterbury’s giants – Thomas Becket, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine gave the Queen’s Baton Relay team a very warm welcome on Thursday, July 7th.
The baton was carried by a number of baton holders on a route across the city, concluding with a community event within the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral.
Canterbury City Council led the organisation of the event including complementary sport and music events to coincide with its time in the city.
Canterbury BID’s bunting and flowers ensured Canterbury looked bright and cheerful, and the Medieval Giants (Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Thomas Becket) came out to give the baton bearers a warm welcome to the city.
The Baton bearers made their way from Station Road West and entered the City on the pilgrim’s route through Westgate Towers. Amongst cheering crowds the Baton Bearers followed a route along the historic high street through Rose Lane to scenic Dane John Gardens where there were sporting activities and music performances taking place.
The Baton bearer then climbed the medieval fortified walls to run back to the city centre, past St George’s Tower and through the Longmarket and the Buttermarket, concluding in the precincts of the Canterbury Cathedral with music from the Cathedral Choir and Canterbury Rock Choir.
