Town criers in with a shout at Arundel competition

Their voices will be booming across the grounds of Arundel Castle, to be assessed for sustained volume, clarity, diction and inflection.

A procession of the town Criers through the streets of Arundel, escorted by members of the town’s Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, Beavers and Rainbows, will mark the start of the biannual event.

Spectators will then be allowed free entry to the castle’s lower lawns to witness the unusual contest, which begins at 10.30am.

Each crier has also been set two topics to extol – during the morning each will have to cry the virtues of his or her home town and, in the afternoon, will have to praise a place of interest in West Sussex.

They will be judged by a panel of two thespians, Littlehampton Gazette editor Roger Green and a member of the Army’s Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment, with the overall winner taking home the West Sussex Championship Cup.

Arundel’s resident town crier, Angela Standing, who is also a guide at the castle, has organised the competition. She said: “The role of the town crier dates back to mediaeval England, when the criers were essentially the local news providers, appointed as officers of the court to make public pronouncements.

“In an age before newspapers and modern technology, royal proclamations, local bylaws, market days and other local news were all announced by the crier, who was a vital member of the local community.

“Over the years this historic role has significantly diminished but we do still have over 100 town criers across the country, who work tirelessly to keep this English tradition alive.

“The strength of a good crier lies in their ability to command attention, make clear and concise announcements and use a handbell. I am thrilled that so many town criers will be competing in this year’s event and look forward to witnessing the skills of criers from across the country.”

Bryan McDonald, the castle manager, said: “We are delighted to open up the lower lawns of the castle to host this unique event. Arundel is extremely proud to have Angela as its official town crier and it is great to see our town taking the lead in keeping this tradition going.

“As a truly historical location it will also be extremely fitting to see the town criers competing in a backdrop where their predecessors are sure to have cried before them.”

The town crier competition will also be supported by members of Raven Tor Living History Group, who will add their own period drama to the proceedings.