A Unique Attraction
The city of Chester is the only place in Britain to have retained the tradition of regular midday proclamations at a fixed place and time – Tuesday to Saturday, June to August, at noon, at the High Cross (except on race days).
Located at the pedestrianised intersection of the four main streets of Chester, the High Cross has been the site of proclamations since the Middle Ages.
As one writer has said, “At the Cross we are upon ground hallowed by as long a succession of civic incidents as any spot in our kingdom.”
Chester’s Town Criers, David and Julie Mitchell, have been appointed to continue the tradition of historic proclamations from the Cross.
The crowds that gather at the heart of this popular tourist destination are drawn from many nations, which is why the Town Crier greets visitors in as many as fifteen languages.
The proclamation is fun and interactive: special visitors are welcomed by name, anniversaries announced, and prizes are often to be won. At least one unsuspecting visitor is usually detained in the stocks.
So, if you have a visitor to be welcomed, an anniversary or birthday to celebrate, or a villain to punish, get in touch with the criers.
Tour Groups
If you would like the Town Criers to bring focus onto your tour party guests, picking out a good sport who might enjoy some mock charges being brought against him/her, please contact us.
Special People – Special Mentions
If you are bringing special visitors to the Cross Proclamation who you would like the Town Crier to make a particular fuss of, please contact us and we’ll talk you through the procedure.
