International town crier competition returns

An international town crier competition has returned to a town in Surrey for the first time since the pandemic.

The competition will be held in Haslewey Community Centre, in Haslemere, on Sunday.

Haslemere town crier Christian Ashdown last hosted the competition in 2019.

"It’s good for the town. It’s an attraction,” he said.

More than 15 town criers are expected to take part - including one from Belgium.

Previously the competition has been held in Australia and Canada.

Criers are judged on their sustained volume, clarity, inflection and diction.

There is also a separate award for best dressed.

Mr Ashdown said he liked to use the events to catch up and meet new town criers.

"It’s a nice thing to host,” he added.

The town crier says he hopes to host the competition every two years.

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