Longstanding town crier Kevin Ward has been announced as the speaker for this year’s Bromsgrove Society Annual Lecture.
The society say Kevin’s role was somewhat written in the stars, given his three-greats grandfather Jacob Wilson (1779-1879) was the last Town Crier of Birmingham.
Jacob claimed the position had been in the family for 350 years, so it ‘comes as no surprise that Kevin would continue this tradition into the next century.’
In this landmark year, the Bromsgrove Society is delighted to welcome Kevin as the speaker at the 2025 Annual Lecture, where we look forward to hearing about the history of town crying and some of the highlights from his last 40 years.
Bromsgrove School’s Routh Hall will play host to this year’s lecture on Tuesday, April 8. Tickets cost £7.50 with a drink included. A live link can also be streamed for £5. Visit www.bsoc.co.uk for more information.
To celebrate 40 years as Town Crier, Kevin is also hosting the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers National Championship to Bromsgrove in Saturday, June 14.
In the morning, the competition will be in the High Street while the market is on and the street is busy and bustling with people. Each Crier will cry about their hometown.
After the formal competition the Criers will stay in the town, lunching at town centre cafes and restaurants, giving shopper an opportunity to meet them.
In the afternoon, the group will move to Avoncroft Museum of Buildings where the second round will take place on the lawns outside Guesten Hall.
The two different locations will test the criers’ ability to adapt to different surroundings.
Tickets for the lecture can also be purchased from Foto Factory in Bromsgrove High Street (cash only).
