While the Queen’s Baton Relay will stop at Welshpool on September 7, it has now been confirmed that there will NOT be a street parade similar to when the London 2012 Games torch came through town.
Thousands of people lined the streets in a glorious celebration to welcome the Torch through town five years ago (pictured), but the Commonwealth Games baton will have a closed event only at Welshpool High School to be attended by 500 pupils at around 3.10pm.
It means the only chance we will have to watch the baton in Powys will be a public journey through Rhayader earlier on the same day.
Cabinet Member for Communications, Cllr James Evans said: “It’s a privilege to be welcoming the baton to Powys. We have a memorable schedule of activities which we hope will put us firmly on the map.
“At Welshpool, pupils will enjoy a Marathon Challenge before the baton’s arrival hoping to complete the equivalent of the London Marathon - 26 miles in the time set by Commonwealth Games 2018 hopeful, Andrew Davies.
“The Welshpool event is for local schoolchildren only, with the best opportunity for the public to catch a glimpse of the baton being at a large street parade in Rhayader earlier in the day. It will also make brief private stops at Llanidloes High School and Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd, Newtown."
However there is good news for some local sports figures who will play a part in the baton's visit to town.
“We are proud to announce that our Welshpool baton bearers include brothers Morgan Jones and Dan Jones, Commonwealth Games hopefuls in swimming.
“They will hand the baton to Caroline Taylor, Kathy Pierce, and Hazel Wilson, all highly successful bowlers having competed in previous Games.
“I would like to thank Welshpool Town Council and Freedom Leisure for their assistance and support to help put on a fantastic day.
“The Welshpool event is a great opportunity for local youngsters and with their involvement it should be a resounding success.”
For full details including further information about the public event at Rhayader, go to www.powys.gov.uk/baton.
PICTURE: A great day in 2012 when the Olympic Games torch was carried through town and watched by thousands.