Town Criers Competition and Street Organ Festival



Saturday 4th September 2010

 

The Town Criers Competition and Street Organ Festival takes place the first Saturday in September.

 

Over the last few years this event has grown in stature, colour and sound.   Street Organ Grinders from all over the country are invited into Banbury to help collect money for a local worthy cause.   The melodious sounds from their Street Organs can be heard around all corners of the town and their traditional Victorian type costumes bring a splash of colour to the town.

 

As if not to be outdone around 26 Town Criers from the far corners of Great Britain and a few from overseas also take up stance in the town to cry about their own towns and a previously agreed given subject.     Their magnificent flamboyant costumes – many accompanied by co-ordinated escorts – vie for attention from the crowds.    Their cries are fairly judged by a panel made up of knowledgeable dignitaries.  

 

At the end of the day the two groups meet up for a Banbury Cake tea with the Town Mayor in the Town Hall to swap stories of the day and to catch up with friends old and new.

 

 

2009 Town Criers and Street Organ Festival

 

2008 Town Criers and Street Organ Festival

 

2007 Town Criers and Street Organ Festival

 

 

 

 

Banbury Town Crier Details                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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