Ely looking for new Town Crier to represent the city

The role is draped in tradition and forms an important function in the city as the Town Crier attends key events, including Ely’s much-loved Eel Day and the annual Mayor-Making.

A competition will be held on October 12 as part of Ely’s Apple and Harvest Fayre.

A spokesperson for Ely City Council, which is organising the competition, said: "The ideal candidate would be one with a loud voice (no surprise there, we know!), have a creative flair to allow them to craft the perfect cries for events and must be available to attend key events in the city’s calendar."

The selection process will consist of an initial application, where the applicant will be asked to write a 'cry' of between 150-200 words on the theme of 'Ely and the Harvest' in the submission of an application form.

The city council says successful applicants must be available on October 12 2024 to participate in the competition.

The event will see each entrant perform their own 'cry' and a 'cry' prepared by former Town Crier, Avril Hayter-Smith who will be one of the three strong judging panel.

The Mayor of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips, said: “Town Criers have existed in England since the Middle Ages and at a time when most people were illiterate, and it was their job to inform townspeople of great events, local happenings, new laws or even details of executions!

"Their cry of 'Oyez! Oyez!' from the old French word for 'listen' would have been well known to our ancestors and their role important and much respected.

"Nowadays the job is not so formal a part of community life but the crier's 'cry' reminds of us of an important past and brings colour and excitement to modern-day events and formal occasions in our city.

"Appointing Ely's new Town Crier is a significant event in our calendar and a day we can all relish and enjoy.”

Requests for an application pack should be sent to: info@cityofelycouncil.org.uk or downloaded from the council’s website at: www.cityofelycouncil.org.uk