11/09/2026
Oyez! Oswestry Town Crier to set the standard at World Town Crier Tournament
Oswestry Town Crier Phil Brown has been selected to deliver the prestigious benchmark cries at the World Town Crier Tournament in Chester from 22-26 September.
The benchmark cry is a non-competing performance delivered at the start of each competition round, setting the exact standard by which judges calibrate their scoring for volume, clarity, diction and presence. It is a role reserved for respected criers who are trusted to deliver a flawless performance and who do not need to prove themselves in the ranks, making Phil's selection a significant honour for Oswestry.
Phil said: "This is one of the proudest moments of my career. To be trusted with setting the standard for criers from across the globe is something I will always remember."
The tournament brings together 25 elite town criers from Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Channel Islands, England, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. Over three competition days, competitors will be judged on vocal power, clarity, showmanship and audience engagement. Every official cry must include three shouts of "Oyez!" at the start, and close with "God Save the King!".
The Mayor of Oswestry Cllr Jonathan Upton said: "Phil has represented Oswestry with pride and distinction for many years, and to see him entrusted with such a prestigious role is a wonderful reflection of that dedication. Being chosen to set the benchmark for criers from across the world is no small feat, it shows the respect he has earned within the craft. Congratulations Phil, we hope you enjoy every second."
Visit Oswestry is extremely proud of our Town Crier and wish him "all the best" in the tournament.
Photo by Grum
