King’s Square erupted in a cacophony of raucous cries and resplendent colour yesterday as 25 town criers went head to head.

The competition, which has been held twice before in Bermuda, featured town criers from England, Canada and Bermuda putting their vocals to the test.

The participants included male and female criers and all were dressed in colourful period clothing, each hoping to scoop the secondary prize of best dressed.

“It’s always a lot of fun, wherever we go,” said Steve Cunliffe, town crier for Dawlish, England.

“This is my fourth time in Bermuda, you can’t keep me away.

“The sunshine, the hospitality — it’s just a great place to come.

“These competitions tend to be the only time that my wife actually listens to me.” All 25 contestants performed a 125-word cry in front of a cheerful crowd and a panel of judges in St George yesterday.

Today at 11am they will be in Dockyard doing the same, before returning to City Hall for the final round of cries on Friday.

The competition has been organised by the Corporation of Hamilton.

Roy Goodwin, town crier for Ilfracombe in England, said: “There’s a great sense of camaraderie among us all.

“There’s always a few nerves beforehand, but it would not be a competition unless that was the case.

“This is my first time in Bermuda and I have loved every minute so far.

“My wife and I have had a fantastic time, and we are looking forward to the next couple of days.”

The champion town crier will be crowned in Hamilton on Friday.