Crying peers, not tears

Oyez! Oyez! The criers are coming to Cromer.

Over the weekend of May 24 and 25, the town will resonate with the sound of proclamations and bells as town criers from across the UK do battle to win the Loyal Company of Town Criers British Championship trophy.

The main competition will take place on the Sunday, and this year’s organiser Mark Northway – who is the Cromer town crier – has given the contest a coastal theme.

“The cries will all be about piers across the UK, with each crier being given a specific pier to cry for,” he said.

“Naturally, the Cromer crier will deliver the best cry about Cromer Pier, but unfortunately the competition host cannot compete.”

The first cry will take place on the Cromer Pier forecourt at midday, with the competitors’ home cries being judged in front of Cromer Church at 2pm.

A competition for a Cromer junior town crier will be held immediately afterwards, and any local youngster who wants to compete can contact Cromer Town Council on 01263 512254.