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The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers comprises more than 170 official Town Criers from the UK and overseas.   We hope you enjoy reading about our guild and the traditional role of Town Crier that we are all proud to continue. 

History of the Guild

The Ancient & Honourable Guild of Town Criers (AHGTC) was founded at Hastings in 1978 when criers met after the British Championships and elected a Committee. One aim was to regularise the organisation of competitions and to define rules for town criers to follow.

In 1999 it was decided that the AHGTC should be formed into a limited company, limited by guarantee, to better protect the members. We hold an Annual General Meeting each year, usually in September.

Today, the AHGTC sanction and oversee numerous town crier competitions across the United Kingdom, including the prestigous annual Guild Championships, which attracts competitors from all over the world to compete for the stunning silver George Carpenter trophy.

Recruit a Town Crier

In order to recruit a town crier for the first time or to replace one who has died or retired, you will need a Job Description, and Application Form and a trial cry.

Once you have these documents in place, you will need to advertise the position. Bear in mind that this is not a full-time job nor even a part-time job, but should be considered as a voluntary position. Thus the advertisement should be placed, not in the jobs section, but preferably in the News or Social section.

If you have a local radio station, they too can often be persuaded to publicise the vacancy. As it is a bit unusual, the radio presenters are often happy to give a bit of time and have a laugh at listeners attempts to “have a go”.

The Guild has available some example documents which may be obtained by contacting the Membership Secretary.

Hire a Town Crier

Town criers as we know them today have been making public announcements and proclamations since the 18th century. They make a very distinctive impression on their audience even before they begin talking. Corporations, shops, restaurants, public houses, churches and councils will employ a town crier to add a touch of colour and a momorable impact to their events.

If you are looking to hire a town crier, check with the Town Council in the area. The Town Clerk, Mayor or Chief Executive will know if there is one available.

Otherwise please contact the Guild Secretary, who should be able to put you in touch with a crier in the required vicinity.

We also have a directory of registered Guild town criers by location, available here.

* The Ancient & Honourable Guild of Town Criers (AHGTC) has members in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. Through affiliations with other town crier Guilds around the world, including Canada, Australia, the United States and other European countries, the AHGTC provides news, competition opportunities and support to town criers around the globe.

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Guild Competitions

Our members run friendly competitions throughout the year. There is no cost to come and watch and to decide for yourself who, on the day, is the best crier. The following competitions are held under Guild rules.

2026

4th April Heart of England, Alcester
23rd May Warwick
25th April Yeovil
9th May Illminster
16th May Kingsteinton
TBC Topsham
30th May Watton
TBC Clare
20th June Bognor Regis
27th June Chard
11th July South of England, Wareham
TBC Calne
24th July Plymouth
25th July Kingsbridge
26th July Dartmouth
5th Sept Newton Abbot
TBC Liskeard
19th Sept Wootton Bassett
TBC Fairford

Other Competitions

Competitions that are not run under AHGTC Rules but may be of interest to criers and visitors alike

TBC Dawlish
8th Sept Widdecombe
TBC Callington
TBC Rye
8th Nov Hatherleigh
6th June Rugeley – 2026 Championship