This excellent competition attracted 25 Town Criers and their escorts from the United Kingdom taking part in a colourful and noisy event that attracted visitors from far and wide to Alnwick.

In medieval times, Town Criers were the chief means of communication since many people could not read or write. Royal proclamations, local bylaws, market days, adverts etc were all proclaimed by a bellman or crier, a practice which has continued throughout the centuries. Through the Loyal Company of Town Criers, an invitation was sent to town criers to attend the 2008 championships in Alnwick, the County Town of Northumberland and the furthest northern location ever chosen to host the event. On Friday evening, the criers, together with their escorts, attended a civic reception in full regalia, held at The White Swan Hotel, who generously supported the evening and accommodation. The competition was in two parts; the town cry (from the criers home town) was judged during the morning. Lunch was supplied to the criers by Blackmores of Alnwick. The second competition cry during the afternoon focused on a topic supplied beforehand. The competition took place in and around the Market Place and was free to the public. A “peoples champion” was declared as a result of voting by the public. There were also prizes for the best dressed crier and escort and the best ambassador for the home town. The prizes were presented at a gala dinner on the Saturday evening which was held at the Cook and Barker Inn at Newton-on-the-Moor, 6 miles south of Alnwick. The entire weekend was funded by local sponsors including the town and district councils. Promotional and publicity support was offered by Northumberland Tourism and One NorthEast . There was of course also coverage by Alnwick’s own Lionheart Radio throughout the weekend.

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