Make it stand out

Could YOU Be Swindon’s next Town Crier?

As part of this year’s festivities, the post of Town Crier for Swindon is now open for applications!

  • The position is a 2 year voluntary position.

  • The successful appointee will represent Swindon and its residents, acting as announcer and ceremonial figure at official Town Council events.

  • While on duty, the Town Crier is expected to uphold a high standard of behaviour, and be clean, smartly presented, sober, polite, and jovial at all times.

  • Applicants must be 18 or over, and the role is open to individuals of any gender.

Criers, will perform their best cries before a panel of judges, including local dignitaries and special guests from other towns.

Fred Ferris was Swindon's much-loved last Town Crier, known and admired across the region for his booming calls and flamboyant dress. A multiple award-winner, he earned the title of “Britain’s best‑dressed town crier” in both 2002 and 2005. As the voice of civic pride, he made headlines when he ceremonially announced the launch of the Swindon Link magazine’s website in 2017.

A true character in Swindon’s civic life, Fred Ferris combined tradition, showmanship, and community spirit, leaving behind a legacy of pageantry and public pride in Swindon.

  • The voluntary 2 year appointee represents Swindon and its residents and is expected to uphold a high standard of conduct at all times while on duty. This includes maintaining appropriate behaviour and demonstrating courtesy in all interactions. The Town Crier is required to be clean, smartly presented, sober, polite, and jovial, reflecting the dignity and spirit of the office and the community they represent.

  • ·         To be given an official position within Civic Parades in charge of escorting visiting civic guests

    ·         This includes any Civic Parade for other town events to which he/she has been invited by the organisers as the Town Crier.

    ·         To act as an announcer and/or toastmaster at official Town Council events, including but not limited to civic functions, public ceremonies, and town celebrations.

    ·         To head processions as and when required

    ·         All cries must commence with ‘Oyez, Oyez, Oyez’ and following proclamations must be approved by the town clerk All cries must be non-political and non-religious and must be in good taste and in the spirit of the role. 

    ·         To wear the necessary costume at civic/ceremonial functions

    ·         The Town Crier may only attend events in their official capacity where the event is recognised as Town Council business and where a formal invitation has been extended by the Town Clerk.

    ·         If the Town Crier attends an event in a private capacity, or in any role other than that of Town Crier, they shall not be considered part of the official civic procession or parade.

  • Any costumes provided to the Town Crier will remain on loan for the duration of the role.

  • All travel and other expenses will be the responsibility of the Town Crier.

    Annual joining fee to Guild of Town Criers will be covered by the Old Town Business Association.

  • The Business Association agrees to include positions of Town Crier within its Public Liability Insurance.

  • The Town Crier is to join the nationwide Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers and the annual membership fee will be reimbursed by The Old Town Business Association.

     Please note: Any person found by the Town Council to be in serious breach of any of the above conditions, or otherwise be considered as having bought the position into disrepute, will be immediately removed from the role of Swindon Town Crier.