There was a celebratory vibe in the air across Blackburn with Darwen on Saturday as the Queen's Commonwealth Games Baton Relay made its way through the borough.

Lancashire Telegraph: Mayor, Suleman Khonat and Blackburn lad, Eric,Mayor, Suleman Khonat and Blackburn lad, Eric,

The Baton Relay stopped at three locations before heading off to Bolton and its final destination of Birmingham – where its arrival on July 28 will signal the start of the Commonwealth Games, the largest sporting event in the country for a decade.

Lancashire Telegraph: Alfie Dickinson, 10, holds up the Union Jack flagsAlfie Dickinson, 10, holds up the Union Jack flags

The three sections of the relay were civic, community and celebration – and residents were invited to cheer the Baton through Blackburn and Darwen.

Lancashire Telegraph: Councillors, MPs and supporters outside Blackburn Town HallCouncillors, MPs and supporters outside Blackburn Town Hall

 

Lancashire Telegraph: Youth MP Mohammed Bapu and flag wavers in BlackburnYouth MP Mohammed Bapu and flag wavers in Blackburn

For the civic section, the Baton was welcomed by dignitaries, including the Deputy Leaders of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllrs Quesir Mahmood and Julie Gunn, the borough’s Mayor, and MP for Blackburn, Kate Hollern, on the steps of Blackburn Town Hall just after 4pm.

Lancashire Telegraph: Supporters wave their flags in BlackburnSupporters wave their flags in Blackburn

Lancashire Telegraph: The Rogers family (l-r) James, Seren and Jayne The Rogers family (l-r) James, Seren and Jayne

The community section, held at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, saw invited sporting community groups to welcome the Baton at Ewood Park.

Lancashire Telegraph: Families flocked to the streets in DarwenFamilies flocked to the streets in Darwen

Lancashire Telegraph: Darreners came out in their hundredsDarreners came out in their hundreds

And for the celebration section, from around 5pm, carefully selected Baton bearers relayed the torch from opposite Lidl in Darwen up to the Market Square.

Lancashire Telegraph: The acrobatic gymnasts showed off their skillsThe acrobatic gymnasts showed off their skills

Lancashire Telegraph: Skateboarders tackled tricks and jumps in Darwen Market SquareSkateboarders tackled tricks and jumps in Darwen Market Square

A celebration was already underway with live music and sporting activities which carried on till around 6pm.

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Lancashire Telegraph: Theo Freeston aged 2 from DarwenTheo Freeston aged 2 from Darwen

Lancashire Telegraph: Dylan Harris aged 9 from DarwenDylan Harris aged 9 from Darwen

People in Darwen got the chance to try different sports with a BMX ramp, acrobatic gymnastics and a strength challenge with Blackburn and Darwen leisure staff.

Lancashire Telegraph: Gymnasts in DarwenGymnasts in Darwen

Lancashire Telegraph: Gymnasts lined the streets in DarwenGymnasts lined the streets in Darwen

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