THERE was plenty to shout about in Alcester during the Heart of England Town Criers competition.
The event, which has been taking place in the town since the 1970s, saw 17 members of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers from across the country descend on to the streets on Saturday (April 4).
Alcester’s Court Leet led a procession through the town to the historic Malt Mill Lane where bells were rung and each competitor voiced past and present facts about Alcester.
They were dressed in their traditional garb and battled it out in front of judges who marked them on their diction, dress, inflection, volume and clarity.
The winner of the day was Trevor Heeks from Trowbridge in Wiltshire.
David Parkes, Alcester’s town crier, said: “It was really interesting to hear what people have to say about the town. They must have done their homework and I think those who thought they knew everything they could about Alcester found out a few new things.”
The town criers parade through Alcester to mark the start of the Town Criers Competition. 1515006ABR1.
The town criers line up before the start of the competition.
The judges make their decision. 1515006ABR13.
Pearl Capewell from Peterborough represents women criers. 1515006ABR15.
Lichfield town crier Ken Knowles proves he is a loudmouth. 1515006ABR16
Bromsgrove town crier Kevin Ward was first up in the competition.
