Bermuda and its capital have been proudly — and loudly — represented once again at the international town crier competitions in Britain.

Ed Christopher, a regular contender and past winner, returned home with four awards after facing 30 other criers from around the world.

His trip in July also afforded Mr Christopher a chance to attend the Sir George Somers Day and twinning celebration held in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Sir George, the admiral who played a central role in the settlement of Bermuda, was a mayor of the city where he was born.

It twinned with the Town of St George in Bermuda in July 1996, and the Olde Towne held its own version of the ceremony in April 1997.

Mr Christopher told The Royal Gazette that he hoped the island could host a criers’ competition to commemorate the 2027 anniversary, potentially to coincide with the timing of its traditional Peppercorn Ceremony.

He spoke after City Hall announced he had won a plate for Best Content in the Plymouth Cries Competition for his lighthouse-themed cry.

In Dartmouth, he won a cup after placing third overall, and he once again won a plate for Best Content for his open cry.

Mr Christopher also took a plaque as he was named Best Ambassador.

He said his Plymouth Best Content award was especially meaningful, when he delivered a cry about Gibbs Hill Lighthouse back home — the first time he won based solely on his writing.

He said that particular part of the competition took its theme from Plymouth’s long history as a port and shipbuilding city, with its landmark disused lighthouse, Smeaton’s Tower, considered an icon.

Contestants had to tell a lighthouse tale in 125 words, opening with the traditional opening cry of “Oyez, oyez, oyez” and finishing with “God save the King” — all of it loud enough to carry the appropriate distance to judges.

“Of course, being from Bermuda, I had to do Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, one of the oldest cast iron lighthouses in the world,” he said.

Mr Christopher told the history of Bermuda’s landmark, its height and its ability to be seen 40 miles at sea, as well as touching on the legend of the Bermuda Triangle.

As an extra challenge, he related the story in rhyme.

Mr Christopher said afterwards: “Being town crier for the City of Hamilton is something I’ve loved for over 30 years.

“It has given me the chance to travel, compete and meet people from all over the world — many of whom have become lifelong friends.

“This year’s competitions were extra special because of the support I received from so many Bermudians living in the UK who came to cheer me on.”

Mr Christopher also gave a presentation on Bermuda’s links to Lyme Regis for the Somers Day celebrations, where he has represented the island for more than 15 years.

The event came with a ceremonial parade of town criers. Mr Christopher was presented with a crest and granted honorary membership in the Lyme Regis Twinning Association.

Jessica Astwood, the City of Hamilton’s director of marketing and communications, called him “a true ambassador for Hamilton and for Bermuda”.

She added: “His passion, knowledge and pride shine through everywhere he goes — whether it’s standing on an international stage in full regalia or leading his Discover Hamilton tours at home.

“His achievements overseas are a reflection of the dedication and heart he brings to the role every single day.”

Mr Christopher competed on the crier circuit in nine years from 1999 to 2024.

He said: “It’s great camaraderie with the other town criers, and I always come back with fresh ideas to share.

“It’s important to keep this tradition alive so our history is never forgotten.

“Sharing Bermuda’s stories, especially with schoolchildren, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

Mr Christopher added that he was already looking forward to returning to Britain next year for the 30th anniversary of the twinning celebrations before trying to make the best of 2027 back home.

His walking tours, which are top-rated on TripAdvisor, run from April to December, Monday to Friday, departing from City Hall at 10.30am.

Details are available on the City’s website.