World Town Crier Tournament

Oyez! The World Town Crier Tournament is Coming to Chester

One of the most gloriously British spectacles you'll ever witness is coming to Chester this September, and it's completely free. The World Town Crier Tournament returns to the city for the first time since 2014, bringing together 25 town criers from across 8 nations: England, the Channel Islands, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA, to compete for the title of the world's best, all against the backdrop of one of England's most historic and beautiful cities.

Chester's town crier tradition stretches all the way back to 1554, making this more than just a competition. It's a living, breathing piece of history playing out on the very streets where Roman soldiers once marched. Chester is also the only city in the UK to have a daily town crier proclamation throughout the peak summer season, so this really is the home of the tradition.

The week-long event features three dedicated competition days, where competitors will be judged on their vocal power, clarity, showmanship and audience engagement. Expect vivid costumes, impressive lung capacity, and enough "Oyez!" to echo off the Roman walls.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family looking for something fun to do, or simply someone who appreciates a spectacular show, this is a September event worth planning around. Pair it with a wander along the Roman Walls, a browse through The Rows, or a long lunch in one of Chester's excellent restaurants, and you have a day that's hard to top.

Don't miss your chance to witness history in the making. Chester is calling.

Day 1: Hometown Cry

1st - James Stewart, New Glasgow, Canada
2nd - Chris Wyman, Kingston, Canada
3rd - Christian Ashdown, Haslemere, Surrey, UK

Day 2: Retail Cry

1st - Adrian Basford, Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK
2nd - Kevin Ruane, Sefton, Merseyside, UK
3rd - Jody Huizar, Great Dunmow, Essex, UK

Day 3: Accommodation Cry

1st - Les Cutts, Halifax, UK
2nd - Judy Campbell, Tongala, Australia
3rd - Liam Cragg, Almwick/Haldimand, Canada

Day 3: Overall Winners

1st - Kevin Howarth, Toowoomba, Australia
2nd - Joris Goens, Veurne, Belgium
3rd - Christian Ashdown, Halsemere, Surrey, UK

Crack the crier's code. Explore the city. Win a prize.

For over 470 years, a single voice has carried news through the streets of Chester, the city's town crier, proclaiming loud and proud since 1554. This September, as the World Town Crier Tournament brings 25 booming voices from seven countries to the city, we're inviting you to follow in their footsteps.

Our trail map sends you on a walk through the heart of the city, following a trail of questions hidden among the landmarks that make Chester one of Britain's great historic destinations. Answer each one correctly, and you'll collect a letter. Find them all, put them together, and they'll spell out a secret code word, your key to entering our prize draw.

How it works

1. Start your trail Pick up your trail map from Chester Visitor Information Centre, then set off at your own pace. There's no clock ticking, so take your time and enjoy the city along the way.

2. Follow the clues Each stop on the trail brings you face to face with a piece of Chester's story. Look closely, read carefully, and answer the question at each location to reveal your letter.

3. Crack the code Collect every letter along the route and arrange them to spell your code word. Get stuck? Look again. Chester rewards those who take a second glance.

Enter the code online here to be in with a chance to win a £50 Chester Gift Card.