NOISY proclaimers from across the country flocked to Alcester for the annual Heart of England Town Criers' competition.
The traditional Easter event, which is now in its 40th year, was held on Saturday, March 26 and saw 16 contestant from the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers come together in customary dress to demonstrate their skills.
The picturesque streets echoed with the ringing of bells as a noisy procession of visiting criers led by Alcester’s Court Leet weaved its way around the centre of town before the contest began at the Malt Mill Lane complex.
Each crier was assessed by a panel of judges on a range of qualities including their volume, clarity and dress.
Bromyard town crier Peder Nielsen was announced the overall winner of the competition.
Alcester town crier David Parkes said:"It's a really colourful event, very unusual. People come and go as they please.
Mr Parkes added: "We now believe the competition is in its 40th year- it's absolutely incredible. When I took on the role of town crier I didn't realise that there was a competition.
"A lot of town criers' competitions have had to be cancelled as towns couldn't get the numbers- and a lot of criers have events in their own towns but they love coming to Alcester."
Town criers date back to Medieval England where they were used to make public announcement throughout the streets, they would dress in elaborate clothing and carry a handbell.
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