BROMSGROVE’S town crier is set to host the national championships of the craft in his home town as he celebrates his 40th year in the role.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his role as the region’s town crier, Kevin Ward, will host the National Championship of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers in Bromsgrove.
The event will be held in the town on June 14, 2025. Town crier, Kevin Ward, said: “I’m very pleased to be able to bring this important competition to the town to mark 40 very enjoyable years as Bromsgrove’s Town Crier.
“The support we have already received is fabulous, and I am most grateful to all.”
Kevin took on the civic role as town crier after winning a competition organised by Bromsgrove Court Leet, when Matthew Horton was Bailiff, in 1985.
Kevin has served as bellman to the Court and town crier for Bromsgrove ever since. He is much loved by townsfolk and visitors.
It is expected around 40 town criers from across the country will attend the event. All contestants will be members of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers and will partake in two rounds of crying.
Each crier will cry about their hometown. In the morning, everyone will be in the High Street while the market is on and the street is busy and bustling with people.
In the afternoon, the group will move to Avoncroft Museum of Buildings where the competition will take place on the lawns outside Guesten Hall.
The two different locations will test the criers’ ability to adapt to different surroundings with judging criteria focusing on diction and clarity of crying at a suitable, sustained volume.
Mr Ward added: “I’ve chosen two venues because the High Street’s acoustic is quite reverberant and crowds will be passing for the Market, so they’ll need to grab people’s attention.
“But Guesten Hall Field is open and acoustically dead, a completely different challenge. It’s really going to find the best Town Crier, who can tailor their voice to the circumstances.
“It’s no good being loud if your message can’t be understood or you don’t manage to hold the crowd’s attention.”
After the formal competition the Criers will stay in the town, lunching at High Street cafes and restaurants, so everyone can meet them.
The event will be supported by local organisations including the Bromsgrove Festival, Bromsgrove Society, Bromsgrove District Council and Bromsgrove Court Leet.
Wythall Transport Museum are providing a vintage bus to move everyone around in style.
Visit https://ahgtc.org.uk/ for more information on the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.
