City set to party along Queen's Baton route

Over three days, 400 people will carry the baton to communities across the city.

And at the end of each day, there will be a free party to celebrate its journey.

On Sunday, July 20, the relay will start at the People's Palace and will pass landmarks including the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Street, George Square and the City Chambers, Glasgow Cathedral, the Mitchell Library, Celtic Park, the Emirates Arena and communities in the north and east of the city.

The following day, it will leave Riverside Museum and the Tall Ship taking in the SECC, Hydro and Finnieston Crane, the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow University, the Botanic Gardens and Maryhill Burgh Halls.

On Tuesday, July 22, the day before the Opening Ceremony, it will set off from Cathkin Braes and travel to the South Side, passing Hampden Stadium, Tramway, House for an Art Lover, the Citizens Theatre and the Burrell Collection.

Each baton bearer has been nominated in recognition of their contributions to local sport, community and youth.

And the baton's journey ends each day with special finish line parties.

They will be held in Springburn Park on July 20, Victoria Park on July 21 and Queen's Park Recreation Ground on July 22. Tickets for the events will be free and will be issued via a ballot which opened yesterday and closes on June 22. To apply go to www.glasgow2014.com/baton-relay.

The finish line parties will include come and try sports, arts and dance sessions along with special entertainment including dance performances and a music programme.

During the three days of the relay, crowds lining the roads travelled by the baton will be entertained by circus acts, dancers and street performers.

City council leader Gordon Matheson said: "We can't wait to kick-start the Games in style when we welcome the Queen's Baton Relay on July 20."

You can view the routes here

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk