The Hexham Bellman (Town Crier) event due to be held on Saturday 24th October 2020 outside Hexham Abbey has been postponed until early next year due to Covid safety restrictions in the North East.
The role of Town Crier in England goes back to Medieval times when they were the means of communication since many people could not read or write. Proclamations, local bylaws, market days, adverts, were all proclaimed by the crier.
These days the Town Crier makes public announcements, for example about local events, using a bell to attract people’s attention and calling ‘Oyez, oyez, oyez’ before the announcement.
Traditionally the Bellman of Hexham wore a suit of blue cloth with scarlet trim and bright buttons, alongside a pair of boots and hat.
More information on the rescheduled event will be posted nearer the time.