FROME’S town crier held his annual festival on Saturday and saw 21 criers meet in the town centre for a day of celebration.
Long-standing town crier of Frome, Mike Bishop, held the eleventh annual event on Saturday 17th June. The criers paraded through the town centre and heard each others’ morning and afternoon cries.
“The crowd were very supportive stopping and watching as they went about their daily shopping,” said Mike.
“The event was won after doing two shouts from each crier, one about their home town and one about a news item from this year. Somerset crier Stuart Cumming from Chard was voted overall champion and also top Somerset crier.
“In second place on the cry was another Somerset crier, Andrew Fox from Ilminster, with crier Peder Nielson from Bromyard, Herefordshire taking third spot.
“The best dressed crier, escort and couple trophies all went to Chris and Jenny Smirthwaite from Liskeard, Cornwall.
“After a well deserved lunch at the George Hotel, some criers stayed over for an evening of song and fun at the cricket club. A great day was had by all.”
Next year’s town crier festival will be held on Saturday 16th June.
