Oyez! Rye gears up for 73rd National Town Criers’ Championships

Organised by Rye Town Crier Paul Goring and his deputy, Arabella Ansar, the day promises a colourful, fun-packed spectacle for the whole family, featuring town criers from across the country and Europe.

The day will begin with a grand procession to the Gun Gardens, departing from the town hall at 11am, led by the powerful Ryebellion Drummers. The competition will kick off at 11:30 with the Home Cry, judged on precision, presence, and projection.

At 2pm, anyone who thinks they have what it takes to be a town crier, including children, will have the opportunity to give it a try. Finally, the criers will return at 2:30pm for the Themed Cry, wearing their full regalia.

This year's judges will be The Right Worshipful Mayor, Councillor Chris Hoggart; Vivienne Patterson, who represents the local dramatic arts; Neale East, Chairman of the Rye British Legion. The guest judge is actress Judy Flynn, who is known for her roles in The House of Eliott, The Brittas Empire, dinnerladies and Call the Midwife, among others.

Speaking at last year's event, Paul Goring said: "Rye is absolutely delighted to be hosting the National Town Criers' Championships. They actually started way back in 1914 in Hastings. They became the National Championships during the 50s, and Hastings ran it right up until three years ago, when Hastings Borough Council decided not to fund it anymore. Rye Town Council jumped in and took the opportunity. So Hastings' loss is Rye's gain, and we're absolutely delighted to have all the criers here."

He added: "Town crying is a vital part of the community. It may seem anachronistic, but a town crier helps the town. It brings the community together and helps promote the town's heritage, past, and history. And of course, in Rye we've had a town crier for over 800 years, so I'm just the latest in a very long line."

Last year's overall winner was Kurt de Smet, representing Oudenaarde, Belgium. Second was John Griffiths, representing Sleaford, Lincolnshire, and joint third were Mark Wylie, Calne, Wiltshire, and Jonathan Borthwick, Lewes, Sussex. The best-dressed award went to Kurt de Smet, and the best-dressed consort was Jonathan Smith, Bognor Regis. The most entertaining cry, the Judges' Choice Shield, went to Bexhill's Jon Bartholomew.