ILMINSTER Town Criers’ Competition will take place on Somerset Day (Saturday, May 11).

The event, which this year also incorporates the Somerset Championship, will take place from 9am to 2pm at the Market House and Arts Centre on East Street

A message on the Somerset Day 2024 website read: “This annual event is an increasingly prestigious event.

“Not only will it be Ilminster’s own competition, but also we have been granted by the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town criers the right to incorporate the Somerset Championship.

“In addition to this, we shall be inaugurated a new West of England championship, open to town criers from Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

“The competition will comprise two cries, a Home Cry followed by a themed cry.

“There will be a break of approximately 30 minutes between cries.

“The theme of the second cry will be Cranes…. and is subject to the usual restrictions, no religion, no party politics, and no sex.

“The results will be announced immediately following the second cries after which the company will return to the Arts Centre where, after the presentation of awards, a late buffet lunch will be provided.”