Shrewsbury's Town Crier, Martin Wood, has been selected to represent the town at the prestigious World Town Crier Tournament, which will take place in Chester this September.
The international competition is expected to attract some of the finest town criers from across the UK and around the world, with competitors travelling from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. The event celebrates one of the oldest civic traditions, bringing together ambassadors for their towns and cities to compete in a series of judged cries that test clarity, diction, content, volume and presentation.
Martin has served as Shrewsbury's Town Crier since 1984 and is one of the country's longest-serving civic criers. Over more than four decades he has become a familiar figure at civic ceremonies, community celebrations and official events, proudly promoting Shrewsbury both at home and acrossthe country.
His contribution to the town was recognised in 2024 when Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery hosted a special exhibition marking 40 years of service. Now, with the opportunity to compete on the world stage, Martin will add another significant chapter to his distinguished career as he represents Shrewsbury against some of the finest town criers from around the globe.
Martin Wood said:
"I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to have been selected to represent Shrewsbury at the World Town Crier Tournament in Chester this September. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase our town on an international stage and to meet fellow criers from across the globe.
"The standard of competition will be exceptionally high, with participants travelling from many different countries, including several criers I've not yet had the pleasure of meeting. That brings an added sense of excitement and challenge, but I'm looking forward to giving it my very best and proudly flying the flag for Shrewsbury."
The tournament is expected to attract large crowds and considerable interest from both residents and visitors, providing a showcase for the unique heritage and pageantry associated with town crying. Competitors will take part in a number of events across the tournament, with titles awarded in several categories before the overall World Champion is crowned.
The Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Bernie Bentick, congratulated Martin on his selection and wished him every success.
Councillor Bernie Bentick said:
"Martin has represented Shrewsbury with distinction for more than 40 years and is a wonderful ambassador for our town. His selection for the World Town Crier Tournament is a reflection of the respect he has earned within the profession and the dedication he has shown throughout his service.
"We are immensely proud to see him representing Shrewsbury on the international stage and I know residents across the town will join me in wishing him every success in Chester this September."
Martin will compete against some of the world'smost accomplished town criers when the tournament gets underway in September, carrying with him the good wishes of Shrewsbury residents and the wider community.
