Chard’s Town Crier, Stuart Cumming is hosting a national competition which will see criers from all over the country descend on the town.

It takes place on Saturday June 29 outside of Bath House, Holyrood Street. A procession of Town Criers to the Town Criers competition starts outside the Guildhall for 10:15am.

From then, 16 Town Criers from across the country are expected to take part in this competition. The format of the competition is that there will be two rounds and trophies awarded to first, second and third place, with supplementary awards to best dressed Town Crier, best dressed Consort and best dressed couple.

Amongst the six members on the judging panel is the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Alexander Priest.

Members run friendly competitions throughout the year. There is no cost to come and watch and to decide for yourself who, on the day, is the best crier.

This will be the second iteration of the competition in Chard, with last year being a huge success. The event is being held under the rules of the Ancient & Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

A rolling road closure is in place throughout this day on Holyrood Street between 10am and 11am.

Chard Town Crier, Stuart looks forward to hosting the competition and adds “It will be a colourful, visual and of course loud event to engage all the senses of those watching.”

"We hope to have a good turnout from the community, as we did last year and that this continues to be a regular annual fixture in Chard’s calendar."

Chard Town Council says they are 'thankful for the local businesses, such as Sainsbury's, Bath House and the Village Bakery who are all very much supportive of the event.'

Historically the Town Crier was a full-time position in many towns, announcing proclamations and other news for their community.

 Today it is largely a ceremonial function, opening major events, introducing dignitaries and generally lending an element of pageantry to special occasions.