The role of Town Crier in England goes back to Medieval times when town criers were the means of communication, spreading news and local bylaws, royal proclamations, market days, holidays and community events, as many people could not read or write.
These days the Town Crier, in a ceremonial and voluntary role, makes public announcements about local events, using a handbell to attract attention and shouting ‘Oyez, Oyez, Oyez’ which means ‘hear ye’, a call for silence and attention.
Biddulph’s Town Crier, John Robinson, celebrated 25 years of being the town’s crier in 2020.
You can see – and hear him – announcing and opening events such as the Christmas Lights ‘Switch On’, and leading an element of pageantry to special occasions.