Baton of Hope Tour & Hope in the Park

About

The Baton of Hope embarks on another tour of the UK… even bigger than the first in 2023.

The Baton will be in Kent & Medway on Monday 22nd September 2025. It will be carried by people affected or bereaved by suicide along a dedicated route, making stops along its journey.

The stops will have additional things to do, from live music, activities, charity stalls and information linking to mental health, suicide prevention, neurodiversity and much more!

We are really excited to share our schedule for Monday 22nd September. Please come out and show your support along the route or at our stop-off events!

KENT AND MEDWAY BATON OF HOPE TOUR, 22 SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE

Medway

9am: Welcome arrival of the baton to MidKent College and Glassbox Theatre. Official tour opening speech from Baton of Hope founder Mike McCarthy.
9.30 - 10.30am: The baton is carried through Great Lines Park into University Campus to Chatham Maritime Marina.
10.30 - 10.55am: The baton boards Kent Fire and Rescue Service launch speed boat at Marina Jetty and heads up River Medway to Rochester Esplanade.
11.00 - 11.40am: The baton is taken off the boat and carried into the High Street and on to Rochester Castle Garden grounds and Rochester Cathedral. Music, zumba and wellbeing activities continue in castle grounds area until 1.30pm.

Maidstone

11:40am: The baton leaves Medway and is taken to Maidstone Football Club (FC).
Noon -12.30pm: The baton is greeted by players on the pitch during a break of Maidstone United FC’s School Tournament.
12.30 – 1pm: The baton is carried to County Hall where it will be met by public health leaders.
1 - 1.30pm: The baton is carried through Brenchley Gardens, Fremlin Walk, along Week Street, Jubilee Square and down Gabriels Hill.
1.30 - 2pm: Samba drummers walk with baton bearers along Mote Avenue into Mote Park to join the family fun ‘Hope in the Park’ event that will be happening between 10am-2pm.

Canterbury

2.15 - 3pm: The baton is taken to Canterbury, arriving at the Queningate Car Park.
3 - 3.30pm: The baton is carried through south Canterbury to join the ‘Together for Hope’ event at Canterbury Christ Church University’s Augustine House.
4.30 - 5.15pm: After a speech by award-winning mental health campaigner Ben West, the baton leaves Augustine House and makes its way through central Canterbury, finishing at Canterbury Safe Haven.

Thanet

5.15pm: The Community Driving School takes the baton by car to Margate.
6.10pm: Starting at Nayland Rock Shelter the baton is accompanied by a marching band along the seafront, pausing at Margate Steps and the Turner Contemporary before heading along the Harbour Arm, then back into Margate’s Old Town for 'Afternoon of Hope' event that will already be in full swing.
6.55pm: The baton makes its final journey of the day, from Old Town to Dreamland.
7.30pm: The day ends with the ‘Evening of Hope’ finale. Acts will include, Britain’s Got Talent’s dance group Midlife Movers‘ and World Slam Poetry Champion Harry Baker. Book your tickets here: An Evening of Hope at Dreamland Margate.