On Saturday 7th September 2024, Sleaford was host to the prestigious Town Crier British Championships Competition!

The event was held in Riverside Shopping Centre with kind permission by the Lincolnshire Co-op.

The Sleaford Town Crier, John Griffiths, led the event and welcomed many Town Criers from across the UK and one as far as Canada! A Chelsea Pensioner also took part.

The event attracted many spectators and the placings were as follows:

First Place and British Champion - David Summers, Mablethorpe

Second Place - Jon Bartholomew, Bexhill on Sea

Third Place - Mark Hunter, Knaresborough

People's Choice - John Bartholomew, Bexhill on Sea

Best Dressed Crier - Jim Stewart, Canada

Best Dressed Consort - Sandra Kettlewell, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Best Dressed Couple - Jane and Jonathan Smith, Bognor Regis

Best Theme Cry - Mark Hunter, Knaresborough

Best Ambassador - Roy Palmer, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for coming to Sleaford!

The Sleaford Poet Laureate, Julie Street, wrote and performed a special poem for this event. You can find the poem in the link below to read.

You can also view a video of the event below. Photo credits to Roderick Carlyle.