Nathan Wyburn To Design Wales’s Baton For The King’s Baton Relay

Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn will be the talented designer behind the Welsh Baton ahead of the King’s Baton Relay. The relay is due to take place across Wales from the 19th until the 24th of June and will be a celebration of Welsh heritage, culture and sporting success across the country.

Welsh Artist Nathan Wyburn

Nathan, from Ebbw Vale, is known for his quirky artistic methods, using unusual materials to create portraits of pop culture figures, such as using toast and marmite to paint a portrait of Simon Cowell. Nathan’s whacky portraits have led him to reach wider audiences through Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, where he reached the semi-final, along with creating portraits of other famous figures, such as Eminem with spaghetti, Albert Einstein with Smarties, and the Mona Lisa using leaves and a leaf blower. His unique artistic vision will guarantee that the Welsh baton will be unlike anything that has ever been seen before.

CEO of Commonwealth Games Wales, Rebecca Edwards-Symmons said of Nathan’s involvement: 

“We are thrilled to have Nathan on board to design our Baton for this year’s King’s Baton Relay. His unique artistic style, paired with his passion and pride for his country is a perfect combination to create something special for Team Wales. The Relay is a unique opportunity to go on the road to build momentum towards the Games and with the baton at the forefront of the relay, it’s going to be really special. We are looking forward to seeing the final product and taking it across Wales, and then of course to the Opening Ceremony.”

The King’s Baton Relay (KBR) is such a vital part of the Commonwealth Journey, setting the stage for the Commonwealth Games. The KBR started its journey on the 10th of March 2025 at Buckingham Palace. Unlike previous Commonwealth Relays, eachnation have received their own individual baton to design ahead of the relay within their country, eventually making their way to Scotland ready for the opening ceremony. 

The unique Welsh Baton will be visiting local communities across Wales, building excitement, attention and focus for the Games which begin on July 23rd this summer.

Artist Nathan Wyburn added:

“I’m ecstatic that I get to use my art to represent my country in this way. It’s such an honour. As soon as I was asked, my mind went into overdrive with creative ideas. I love art that has a powerful message but equally I love art that simply makes people smile - I endeavour to make this design a combination of both.”

Further details on the route in Wales will follow over the coming weeks.