The National Town Crier Championship returns to Rye on Saturday October 11 with twenty- one confirmed participants, including three from Belgium and one from Canada. The event starts at the town hall at 11am, before moving to the Gun Gardens where the public will also be encouraged to take part later in the day.
Rye’s Town Crier Paul Goring says he is delighted the town is hosting the championships for the third year in a row. “The competition has been running almost continually since 1914. My fellow criers love coming to Rye and always comment on the warm welcome that our town gives them. My thanks to Rye Town Council – and the other generous sponsors – for their support of this National Championships.”
Contestants will have to perform two cries. The first will be about their home town, with the second around the theme of “Peace” marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.
The winner will be announced at 4pm, with prizes awarded for the best contestant, best dressed crier, best dressed consort, and the judges’ special “The Sussex Medal Services Trophy.”
There has been a town crier in Rye for over 800 years, says Paul Goring. “They’re a notable and instantly recognisable part of Britain’s heritage. To be able to bring so many town criers from around the country, and from abroad, to our ‘Ancient Town’ is a great privilege and a very colourful – and noisy – spectacle!”
Timetable for Saturday October 11:
11.00 – Group photo outside Town Hall followed by procession to the Gun Gardens led by Ryebellion Drummers.
11.10 – Round One – Home Cry
12.30 – Lunch at The Mermaid Inn for Criers
14.00 – Public “Have A Go” competition – for fun only – where members of the
public get the chance to wear a hat, ring a bell, & shout “Oyez!”
14.20 – Round Two – Peace Cry
16:00 – Judging and prizes
Image Credits: Kt bruce .