NEWTON Abbot really will have something to shout about when it hosts the annual Town Criers Competition.

Fifteen representatives from communities across Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Cornwall will battle it out for the top spot with the first hour of Home Town cries starting at 10.45am.

The second round, entitled A Century of Shopping, will commence at 12.45pm.

Dignitaries, including Mayor Cllr Alex Hall and Lord of the Borough Keith Stokes-Smith, will award prizes for best cry, best dressed crier, best dressed escort and best dressed couple.

All the action is set to take place in front of St Leonard’s Tower with free face painting, balloon modelling and crafts on offer nearby until 2pm courtesy of Creative Newton Abbot.

Another stall in Courtenay Street will also be offering free children’s activities as the Town Council begins to gauge public support for seeking Fairtrade Status for Newton Abbot.

Looking forward to the day Cllr Hall said: ‘It’s going to be a huge honour welcoming town criers from across the region and I’m sure it will be a great day for posting photos and videos far and wide showcasing what Newton Abbot has to offer.

‘St Leonard’s Tower will be open for free tours and I’m sure our own crier, Nigel Kenneison, will serve as marvellous ambassador for the town as the competition rules prevent him from taking part.

‘Take advantage of the free family activities and share your thoughts on Fairtrade Status for Newton Abbot at a time when the movement to improve farmers’ conditions in developing countries marks its 30th anniversary.

‘It’s going to be a very colourful and entertaining day.’

Representing the Borough of Newton Abbot will be crier Eveline Davies.

Other competitors will be travelling from all points north, south, east and west including Penzance, Yeovil, Calne, Kingsbridge and Plymouth.

The Crier from Devon who receives the highest score will receive the Devon Championship Trophy.

The competition takes place on Saturday September 7. 

Before widespread literacy, town criers were the means of communication with the people of the town since many could not read or write. Proclamations, local bylaws, market days, adverts, were all proclaimed by a crier.