The sun shone and the town criers returned on Saturday 13th April 2024 for a Town Criers competition under the rules of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers and organised by Warwick Court Leet.
Held in Pageant Gardens, Warwick, 13 town criers from across the country competed on the day with Adrian Holmes from Lichfield being declared the winner by 20 points, with second place going to Peder Neilsen representing Bromyard and Winslow just one point ahead of third place crier Michael Stephens of Farnham in his very first crying competition – Congratulations Adrian on winning for the second consecutive time in Warwick; in 2022 representing Sandwell and this year representing Lichfield.
The event was well supported by locals and visitors who heard 2 cries, the first cry promoting the town crier’s hometown and the second about Guide Dogs, which was chosen as the Warwick Crier Michael Reddy and his wife have volunteered for Guide Dogs for 24 years. Both were impressed by the research the criers had made, with each crier covering parts of the incredible work Guide Dogs have been delivering for over 90 years. Kevin Ward from Bromsgrove was awarded Best Dressed Crier, proclaiming the issues of “Fat cars” blocking the pavements.
This year the competition was very generously sponsored by several local companies. This enabled us to make a payment to criers travelling more than 80 miles to help cover some of their costs. They did however have to cry outside the sponsors businesses premises, including four pubs, eight market traders – and Paul Gough singing outside a Pizza restaurant!
It made the front page of the Warwick Courier, with a double page spread inside the Newspaper. The Warwick Town Crier, Michael Reddy, hosted the day and said “Many thanks to all our volunteers, sponsors, suppliers, and Warwick Town Council for all their help in making the day such a success. The competition will return in 2026.“