The event
Three different runners proudly held the baton aloft as it was transported around the site of the world's first boat lift in blazing sun, watched by hundreds of local school children and their families.
At the top of the lift, it was transferred to a boat on the Trent & Mersey Canal to travel 50 feet down in our ‘Cathedral of Canals' before emerging at the bottom onto the River Weaver Navigation.
A flotilla of Mid Cheshire stand up paddleboarders then formed a guard of honour as they accompanied the boat a short way along the river to Winnington Bridge, where it was passed back onto land to continue its journey through cheering crowds in Northwich Town Centre.
The event was hosted by Cheshire West and Chester Council and included the final leg of the Schools Baton Relay around Northwich with children from Comberbach Primary School.
Welcoming the Queen's baton
Daniel Greenhalgh, our North West director, said: “We are delighted that Anderton Boat Lift will be the first venue in Northwich to welcome the Queen's Baton Relay. Sadly, due to limited space, we are not able to open the lift to the public during the event but, as the world's first boat lift, the Victorian structure should offer a spectacular start to its journey along the River Weaver and through the town.”
Mayor of Northwich, Councillor Graham Emmett, said: “Northwich is honoured to be chosen to host a stage of the Queen's Baton Relay. This is going to be an amazing day for our great town, and I know the Northwich community will come out and support as it always does.”
