It is a contest for crying out loud

By Harriet Ernstsons 13/04 Updated: 13/04 11:15

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THERE was plenty to shout about in Alcester as the town played host to the annual Heart of England Town Criers’ competition.

A total of 19 visiting criers from as far away as Devon and Norfolk paraded around the town centre led by Alcester Court Leet and Mayor Lennox Cumberbatch before the competition on Saturday (April 7).

Lichfield crier Ken Knowles was crowned the winner after impressing judges with his bell ringing and cry about his home town. Bishop’s Stortford crier Carole Williams and Shipston-on-Stour’s Marion Ladd were second and third respectively. David Craner from Crewkerne in Somerset was named the best dressed crier on the day.

Mr Knowles said: “I am over the moon, this is my first competitive visit to Alcester so I was not expecting it and am very, very pleased.”

David Parkes, competition organiser and Alcester’s town crier, added: “This traditional Easter event has been going on in the town for over 40 years and I very much hope it continues long into the future.

“As ever it was a lively and colourful spectacle and all the participants thoroughly enjoy coming back to Alcester year on year to take part.”