Oyez, Oyez, Oyez! - Town Criers Championship

[upnorth]

In medieval Britain, criers were the nation's newscasters. Dispatches from foreign wars, by-laws, judicial rulings, important proclamations, even advertisements, were issued forth by men whose status was soon indicated by the fine livery they wore, and, the unique royal protection they enjoyed. It was a part of the crier's job to deliver bad news such as tax rises, and the closing of bawdy houses, and to this day it remains an offence to "hinder or heckle" a town crier as he goes about his business.

A valid, competition-grade cry must begin with the traditional "Oyez, oyez, oyez!" – thought to be a corruption of the French ecoutez (listen) – and end with the National Anthem. Most criers further preface their announcements with a peal on a hand bell, although horns, trumpets and even rattles are permitted.

Video is from 2017. Oyez ( unsure about the spelling ) is a word for example still used today in the opening for US Supreme court.

 

[Dave Russo]

Thank God ,these guys are not my next door neighbors,I have never had a pecan pie with more nuts,than this contest brings to the table,Perhaps Malwaetips can send a representative to the next contest. Thanks for the link upnorth