OVER 20 town criers from all across the UK will be making their way to Barnoldswick this weekend.

The historic small town on the Lancashire / Yorkshire border is hosting the Loyal Company of Town Criers’ British Championships. 25 town criers from all over the country – and their escorts - will be donning their colourful robes and tricorn hats and making their way to Barnoldswick for the event on Saturday (8 August).

From 10.30am to 4pm the town square will be busy with cries of ‘Oyez!’ and proclamations about the beauty and history of Barnoldswick. The Town Criers will also be shouting about the many towns they all represent.

At the end, the winner will be crowned British Champion Town Crier.

This is the first time that Barnoldswick has hosted this prestigious national event. The town has been granted the honour after successfully hosting over seven annual town crier competitions for the Barlick Bellman.

Barnoldswick’s own Town Crier, Eliza Mowe, is currently the European Champion Town Crier. She said: “I’m so proud that my town is hosting this event. I’ve travelled all over the world, literally shouting about how wonderful Barnoldswick is.

“This weekend Barnoldswick will have many, many visitors and I just know they’ll be thrilled with what they find here. The town crier competition is a major event on the town’s calendar, attracting visitors from all over the UK. This year’s event is bigger and better than ever, and I for one cannot wait!”