Become the Voice of Shaftesbury
Could you be the voice that carries our town’s message forward? Applications are now open for the honorary role of Town Crier, a unique and historic position that brings tradition, ceremony, and community spirit to life.
A historic role in modern times
Town Criers have long been part of British civic life. Once the official bearers of royal proclamations and announcements to the public by “crying” in the streets, their role has evolved into a ceremonial and ambassadorial position. Today, the Town Crier plays a vital part in representing the town at public events, preserving local traditions, and adding colour and character to civic life.
Wearing traditional livery and carrying the signature bell and scroll, the Town Crier opens public occasions with the iconic call, “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!” and closes with the rousing words, “God save the King; May Shaftesbury Flourish!” This dramatic ritual continues to capture the imagination and attention of residents and visitors alike.
What does the Town Crier do?
The Town Crier serves as a visible and respected figure at a wide range of events. This includes making announcements from outside the Town Hall, welcoming guests at community gatherings, and attending civic ceremonies. The Crier is expected to help promote local initiatives, celebrate milestones, and support the Town Council in spreading key messages. Recent public appearances from the Town Crier have been VE Day, the Annual Meeting, and the Mayor Making ceremony.
As a representative of the town, the Crier brings visibility to local culture and fosters a sense of pride and continuity. Whether proclaiming news in the town centre, leading a procession, or bringing heritage to life at a festival, the Crier offers a voice that connects past and present.
- Making public announcements in town spaces and at community gatherings
- Attending civic events, parades, and ceremonies
- Promoting local events, initiatives, and milestones
- Engaging warmly with residents and visitors alike
- Upholding the traditions, etiquette, and pageantry of the role
The Town Crier role at a glance
This is an honorary position with an annual honorarium of £300, and pre-agreed expenses including travel. Shaftesbury Town Council provides the full ceremonial uniform, along with the traditional bell and scroll. The successful candidate will report to the Town Clerk with administrative support from the Council staff. Annual membership of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers will also be covered by the Council. The role requires a flexible diary, as events can take place at various hours including the working day, evenings or weekends, and the Crier must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Honorary post with annual honorarium of £300 plus approved expenses
- Traditional uniform (livery) and equipment provided
- Must be available for important announcements and civic occasions
- Membership to the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers included
Who should apply?
We are looking for someone who is confident, enthusiastic, and capable of addressing a crowd with clarity and energy. A strong, clear speaking voice is essential, along with the ability to engage the public in a warm and approachable manner. The ideal candidate will take pride in their appearance, respect the ceremonial nature of the role, and enjoy representing the town at both formal and festive occasions.
Although previous experience in public speaking or performance is welcome, it is not essential. What matters most is reliability, a passion for local history, and a willingness to embrace this historic tradition with dignity and spirit. A good level of physical stamina is also important, as the role involves standing, walking, and projecting your voice over extended periods.
- Confident speaking in public
- Friendly and approachable
- Reliable, punctual, and community-minded
- Physically able to walk and stand for extended periods
- Passionate about local heritage and civic pride
Help the Town Flourish
This is more than just a ceremonial duty, it is an opportunity to stand at the heart of community life and carry forward a cherished tradition into the modern day. If you have ever imagined yourself ringing a bell from the grounds of a historic building, proclaiming the news with flair and pride, this may be your moment.
Applications are now open. To find out more, head to our Vacancies page.
Deadline to apply: Wednesday 23rd July 2025
“God save the King; May Shaftesbury Flourish!”