THE Queen's Baton Relay has arrived in Northwich this afternoon, attracting crowds to the town centre.

There is a celebratory feeling in the air today (July 17) as the baton nears the end of its global tour ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which begin in Birmingham on July 28.

The Queen’s Baton arrived in the town at the Anderton Boat Lift for an official private event to welcome the batonbearers, including the conclusion of the Schools Baton Relay.

The tour itself began at midday when a batonbearer carried the baton by boat down the 50ft lift to emerge onto the River Weaver.

They then sailed along the river by boat, accompanied by a flotilla of paddle boarders and canoeists before disembarkeding at Winnington Swing Bridge and then travelling along Winnington Lane heading towards the town centre.

The route then continued past Winnington Recreation Club, descending Winnington Hill in a Krazy Races soapbox to cross the river at Town Bridge and then past Northwich Memorial Court and Northwich Library.

The tour concluded in Barons Quay to coincide with the Rotary’s free Sunday in the Park festival at Riverside Park.