The World Town Crier Tournament will return to Chester from 22 to 26 September 2026, marking the first time the city has hosted the competition since 2014. 25 town criers representing Australia, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, England and the Channel Islands will compete for the title of world’s best crier, with the event free to attend and open to the public.
The tournament’s return has been made possible by a £50,000 grant secured by Marketing Cheshire from Airbnb’s inaugural Best of British Fund, supporting destinations working to boost tourism outside of London. The funding underscores the growing recognition of Chester’s town crier heritage, which dates back to 1554. The city remains the only one in the UK to hold a daily town crier proclamation throughout the peak summer season, cementing its status as a spiritual home for the tradition. Over three dedicated competition days, criers will be judged on vocal power, clarity, showmanship and audience engagement, set against the backdrop of Chester’s Roman walls and medieval streets.
For travel trade partners, the tournament presents a strong shoulder-season opportunity, with visitors encouraged to combine the spectacle with Chester’s wider attractions, including the Roman Walls, The Rows shopping galleries, and the city’s dining scene. Several local hotels, including Oddfellows, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, The Chester Townhouse and The Queen at Chester Hotel, are supporting the event as accommodation partners.
Cristian Marcucci, Managing Director for Marketing Cheshire, said, “This funding from Airbnb has allowed us to bring a much-loved event back to Chester after more than a decade. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city’s heritage to a global audience.”
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