World Town Crier Tournament 2026: Everything you need to know
Marketing CheshireTown criers from across the globe are gathering in Chester for the 2026 World Town Crier Tournament which begins later.
The event will see 25 town criers competing from England, the Channel Islands, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and the United States.
Southport and Sefton's town crier Kevin Ruane will be one of them, having previously told the BBC he went into it after his wife told him "you'd be good at that because you've got a big gob".
Here's all you need to know about the event.
'Colourful eccentricity'
The competition, organised by Marketing Cheshire, is being hosted by Chester town crier David Mitchell, who shares the role with his wife Julie Mitchell.
He said: "Julie and I can't wait to see what talent is out there, and see who really is the best when it comes to town criers.
"I expect it to be the biggest concentration of loud and colourful eccentricity that Chester has ever seen."
David said this year's hopefuls include Jody Huizar, the town crier of Great Dunmow in Essex, who would be "walking around with half a [cured] pig under his arm", otherwise known as a flitch - or a side - of bacon.
Meanwhile, Judy Campbell, the president of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers, will be representing Echuca Moama in northern Victoria.
'Proclamation'
BBC Radio Merseyside Breakfast presenter Kevin Duala has also been invited to take part.
He will be wearing a specially made costume and reading a proclamation written by listeners.
His show will be broadcast live from the event.
Chester's town crier tradition stretches back to 1554 and the city still has a town crier proclamation at 12:00 BST from Tuesday to Saturday during the peak summer season.
When and where is it happening?
The free event begins in Town Hall Square on Northgate Street and will run from 11:00 to 16:00 BST.
It will resume between the same times on Thursday at Eastgate Square, formerly known as the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, off Eastgate Street.
The grand finale takes place - again between 11:00 and 16:00 - on Saturday at Exchange Square, which is just outside Chester Market, off Northgate Street.
Marketing CheshireHow will the town criers be judged?
Four judges will be assessing each town crier on their vocal power, clarity, showmanship and audience engagement.
A daily winner will be announced on Tuesday and Thursday, with the overall winner announced at the final on Saturday.
The opening round calls on competitors to do a hometown cry to showcase where they come from.
Awards will also be given out for categories including best dressed crier, best dressed couple and best ambassador.
How do I get there?
The event will take place in Chester city centre.
There will be frequent bus and rail services, as well as a number of car parks for those driving in to enjoy the spectacle.
Merseyrail has partnered with Visit Chester to offer free rail travel to Chester on Thursday.
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