Marketing Cheshire have announced the details for the forthcoming World Town Crier Tournament which will be held in Chester from 21- 26 September

Chester will host 25 town criers from around the world at the event which was last held in the city in 2014.

Chester’s Town Crier David Mitchell commented :“This event will be loud, will be colourful, it will be eccentric, and it will be free,” .

Town Criers from England, the Channel Islands, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, the United States and Australia will compete with each crier judged across three themed rounds.

Jamie Christon, Chair of Marketing Cheshire and CEO of Chester Zoo, said: “The World Town Crier Tournament is exactly the kind of event that puts Chester on the map. Twenty-five competitors from across the globe, free to watch, right in the heart of the city – it doesn’t get much better than that. Chester is a world-class destination, and this tournament is another chance to show exactly why.”

The opening round features a hometown cry, with competitors showcasing where they come from. Judging criteria cover vocal proficiency, confidence and bearing, content, and audience engagement. Rounds take place at Town Hall Square (Tuesday 22 September, 11am), Eastgate Square (Thursday 24 September, 11am) and Exchange Square (Saturday 26 September, 11am).

Special awards include Best Dressed Crier, Best Dressed Consort, Best Dressed Couple and Best Ambassador. A daily winner will be selected throughout the week, with the overall champion crowned on the final day.

Marketing Cheshire secured a grant from Airbnb’s Best of British Fund to stage the event, its first World Town Crier Tournament since 2014, to help showcase the city to a national and international audience.

Luke Impett, Public Affairs Lead for Airbnb UK, said: “Britain’s living traditions are part of what makes it such an extraordinary place to explore — and the World Town Crier Tournament is a perfect example. This is one of Britain’s most distinctive customs, returning to Chester after more than a decade and welcoming competitors from across the globe. Through the Best of British Fund, we’re proud to back Marketing Cheshire in bringing this event back to life. In 2025, Airbnb guests spent £3.2 billion in local restaurants, pubs, cafes and attractions across the UK — events like this are exactly what draws visitors in and keeps them spending locally. We hope the Tournament gives even more people a reason to discover everything Chester has to offer.”

Full details of all confirmed participants, including their countries and backgrounds, plus a day-by-day breakdown of the competition, are available on Visit Cheshire’s dedicated World Town Crier Tournament page.