One of the most gloriously British spectacles to be witnessed is coming to Cheshire’s county town of Chester from 22 – 26 September 2026, and it’s completely free. The World Town Crier Tournament returns to the city for the first time since 2014, bringing together 25 town criers from across eight nations: England, the Channel Islands, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. Entrants will compete for the title of the world’s best, all against the backdrop of one of England’s most historic and beautiful cities.
The week-long event in Chester features three dedicated competition days, when competitors will be judged on their vocal power, clarity, showmanship and audience engagement. Expect vivid costumes, impressive lung capacity, and enough ‘Oyez!’ to echo off the Roman walls.
Chester is a fitting location for the Tournament with the city’s town crier tradition stretching back to at least 1554. It’s a living, breathing piece of history, playing out on the very streets where Roman soldiers once marched. Chester is also the only city in the UK to have a daily town crier proclamation throughout the peak summer season – proclamations can typically be witnessed at midday from June–August (Tuesdays to Saturdays), from Chester’s historic Chester Cross, the intersection of the city’s four main streets.
Before newspapers and widespread literacy, town criers were an essential way of spreading news. The word ‘Oyez’ comes from Anglo-Norman French and means ‘hear ye’ or ‘listen’. Town criers would announce local bylaws, market regulations, lost property and runaway apprentices. Today, Chester’s town crier performs ceremonial proclamations, welcomes visitors, announces birthdays and anniversaries, and entertains crowds with traditional town crier pageantry – all set against Chester’s striking black and white medieval architecture.
Commenting, Jamie Christon, Chair of Marketing Cheshire who are staging the event, said, “Modern day town criers may seem quaint, but there is still a surprisingly varied and active international community, with Chester’s tournament expected to bring together many of the best ceremonial criers currently practising worldwide, making it one of the biggest international town crier gatherings in years.”
Whether visitors are history enthusiasts, families looking for something fun to do, or simply appreciating a spectacular show, this is an event worth planning around. Pair it with a wander along the Roman Walls, a browse through The Rows – the two-tiered network of medieval galleries and walkways – or a visit to Chester’s beautiful Cathedral, there’s plenty to fill a short break here.
The Tournament schedule is as follows:
• Tuesday 22 September – Town Hall Square, from 11am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 3:30pm.
• Thursday 24 September – Eastgate Square, from 11am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 3:30pm.
• Saturday 26 September – Exchange Square, from 11am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 3:30pm.
Where to Stay:
Set in the heart of the city, Hotel Indigo is great base for exploring. The boutique hotel mixes old and new, with the rooms inspired by the city, be it the architecture, the famous Eastgate Clock or the Racecourse. Rooms from £109 per night on B&B basis (www.chester.hotelindigo.com).
Or try the historic The Queen at Chester, the original railway hotel, set beside Chester Station, and just a short walk from the city’s highlights. Rooms from £119 per night. (www.thequeenatchesterhotel.co.uk)
Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making.
For further information see visitcheshire.com
