Newport loud-mouth Peter Taunton is taking on some of the biggest lungs on the planet for the coveted crown of Town Crier World Champion.
Mr Taunton is competing against 37 town criers from seven countries in the world championships in Chester, this weekend.
With heavyweight competition flying in from across the globe, he is not expecting to win but hopes to put Newport firmly on the map.
He said: “It’s a major event – 18 world champions are taking part.
“I don’t think there’s any way I’ll win it against those guys, but I will be doing all I can to promote Newport.”
Mr Taunton will perform four proclamations, one in tribute to Newport, another to advertise a shop and two on transport.
Amongst those competing will be the champions from Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Mr Taunton was handed
a major confidence boost last weekend as he was named Market Deeping Champion Town Crier for 2010 at a competition in Lincolnshire.
“It was a phenomenal event,” he said. “Two judges decide based up volume, clarity, confidence and overall delivery.
“It was a real shock to win and hopefully will put Newport on the map.”
By Sean Wozencroft
