Manx artists to dream up Commonwealth baton designs

In March the King handed the baton to champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who was the first bearer at the relay's launch

Manx artists have been invited to submit designs to decorate the Isle of Man's baton set to feature in the King's Baton Relay and at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The games, taking place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, will feature a 10-sport programme with athletes from across the Commonwealth.

For the first time, each of the 74 nations and territories set to compete will receive their own baton to customise to reflect the uniqueness of its culture.

President of the Commonwealth Games Association of the Isle of Man Basil Bielich said the organisation was hoping to see some "inspirational design ideas".

Using the theme of Manx culture and heritage, the preferred design will be selected by a local panel of judges in March 2026 after the closing date for submissions of 13 February.

The winning artist will then be invited to apply the design to the baton in time for the visit of the King's Baton Relay to the island ahead of the Glasgow games.

Mr Bielich said the association was "excited to be able to offer this opportunity to local creatives".

He said "the baton itself is simple and sustainable with no complex electronics or chambers" so the "design potential is broad".

A total of 74 nations and territories will design their own Commonwealth baton

The King's Baton Relay is a games tradition that connects communities across the Commonwealth, reaching the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania and Europe in the countdown to the tournament that takes place every four years.

Launched by King Charles at Buckingham Palace in March, the 18th official relay is expected to arrive on Manx shores in the second half of June 2026.

All 74 Batons will be then reunited at the opening ceremony of Glasgow 2026.

The Australian state of Victoria was originally chosen to stage the multi-sport event in 2026 but withdrew July 2023 stating it could no longer afford to host.

The overall number of sports at the Glasgow Games has halved from 20 in Birmingham in 2022 to combat rising hosting costs and time demands.

However, more than 200 gold medals will still be contested at venues within an eight-mile corridor of the city.