Chester to host the World Town Crier Tournament

Chester is to host the World Town Crier Tournament, after its tourism body secured £50,000 funding.

This is a £1 million initiative to fuel local hospitality, boost tourism in communities across the UK, and celebrate the traditions and experiences that make British travel unique and unforgettable.

The town crier has been a fixture in Chester since 1554. The service runs as the only daily town crier proclamation in any UK city during the peak summer season.

With the Airbnb funding secured, Marketing Cheshire is going a step further — inviting town criers from across the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA to compete for the title of the world's best.

Twenty-five town criers are expected to do battle in a week-long free public event in September, with three dedicated competition days set to put Chester firmly in the international spotlight.

The £50,000 was secured through Airbnb's £1 million Best of British Fund, supported by VisitBritain, which helps communities and businesses across the UK preserve and promote the nation's most distinctive traditions.

Chester has form when it comes to town crier contests, having previously hosted the tournament four times since the turn of the century – in 2001, 2004, 2010 and 2014. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

David and Julie Mitchell deliver the Chester town crier welcomes in 15 languages, bringing to life Chester’s 2000-year history in an interactive and engaging way. It’s a unique tradition which they perform on Tuesday through to Saturday from June to September at noon.

David, who’s been Chester’s town crier for 27 years and lives in the city, said:

“Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Chester is thrilled to be hosting the World Town Crier Tournament again. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our great city and region not just in the UK but the entire planet.

“Julie and I can’t wait to see what talent is out there, and see who really is the best when it comes to town criers.”

Luke Impett, Partnerships and External Affairs Senior Manager for Airbnb UK, said:

“Congratulations to the team behind the Chester World Town Crier Tournament on being recognised as a winner of Airbnb’s inaugural Best of British Fund.

“Thanks to this funding, the much-loved tournament will be able to return this year – continuing a proud tradition that celebrates local heritage and community spirit.

“Through the Best of British Fund, Airbnb is proud to support communities that bring unique cultural experiences to life and inspire more travellers to discover lesser-known tourist destinations across the UK.”

Jamie Christon, Chair of Marketing Cheshire and CEO of Chester Zoo, said:

“We know Cheshire and Warrington’s tourism sector has so much to shout about so we are thrilled to secure the funding for an event that will bring more international publicity – and plenty of visitors to Chester and the wider region.

“The town crier is part of the fabric of Chester, one of the UK’s oldest, most historic and beautiful cities. But we are also a very young and modern city, with a thriving university, an exceptional food and drink scene, great shopping and amazing attractions.

“So, the tournament will celebrate our heritage and showcase why Chester remains such a compelling place to visit, stay and fall in love with.”