NO FEWER than 38 town criers from all over the world have descended on Chester for the 2010 World Town Crier Tournament.

And on Sunday all the town criers, along with their escorts, gathered at Christleton’s Ring O’ Bells pub and restaurant for a welcome party before the closely fought contest got under way at the Town Hall Square on Tuesday morning.

On hand to welcome the international field of competitors, some of whom have travelled from Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand to join their European colleagues was chief executive of Chester Renaissance Rita Waters and Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cllr Stuart Parker (Chester Renaissance vice chair).

Rita Waters says Chester Renaissance is delighted to support the event which will focus international attention on the city.

She said: “When our own town crier, David Mitchell, first approached Chester Renaissance and Cheshire West and Chester to support this event we were only too keen to lend our support.

“David Mitchell and his wife Julie have put an amazing amount of work into making the event the success it will undoubtedly be.

“There is a truly international flavour which will help Chester by adding economic growth through increased visitor numbers and footfall which in turn will increase retail spend in our shops, bars and restaurants.

“The tournament is showcasing the city to our international visitors who will take the message that Chester is a must-see destination back to their own towns and cities.”

She added: “This is a wonderfully colourful and vibrant event that will put a smile on the faces of residents and visitors to our city.”

Cllr Stuart Parker said: “This tournament will without doubt help drive economic growth and raise awareness of what a fabulous city Chester is to visit, as well as reside in.

“There is no city in England that would be better suited to this event, steeped as we are in heritage, history and tradition. It truly has an international flavour to it and we are thrilled so many town criers have come to take part.”

Chester’s own town crier, David Mitchell, said he was pleased all the hard work of organising the event was now over.

He said: “There are some very competitive town criers here and the result will be too close to call. It really will be a spectacular contest with so many styles on show.”

The 2010 World Town Crier Tournament is taking place all week in Chester as part of Chestival.

Today (Thursday) the competitors will be at the Town Hall from 11am–12.30pm and 2–3.30pm.

They then move to the performance area at Cheshire Oaks on Friday from 11am–12.30pm and 2-3.30pm.

It all leads to the final which takes place outside the Town Hall on Saturday from 11am-1pm.

For all the latest news and events from the Chestival extravaganza, turn to The Guide starting on page 41.