Town criers from throughout the British Isles are to be invited to Tenby next year to help launch the 600th anniversary of the resort's Royal Charter.
The Royal Charter was granted to the town by Henry IV in 1402 and to mark this historic milestone, Tenby Town Council are planning a series of events over several months.
The Welsh Open Royal Charter Town Crier Competition will kick-start the festivities from 2 to 5 pm on May 18, when 25 town criers from throughout the United Kingdom will use the natural amphitheatre of Tenby Harbour to show off their vocal talents.
"Next year, 2002, looks to be shaping up as a momentous year for the town," commented mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown.
"Not only do we celebrate the 600th anniversary of the granting of the Charter, but it is also the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty, The Queen.
"On top of that, it will also be a landmark year for several local organisations and businesses, who have some very special anniversaries, so we are starting to plan a number of events to mark the occasion.
Clr. Mrs. Brown explained that a committee involving both the town council and other interested parties had been formed and a series of events suggested.
"The first will be the town crier competition, which takes place the day after Mayor-making next year," she said.
Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas, whose husband, Tenby town crier, Mr. John Thomas, is assisting the town council in organising the town crier competition, revealed that plans were already well in hand.
"We have contacted a number of town criers already and they were so overwhelmed with the welcome they received the last time we staged a town crier competition in the town, they all readily agreed to attend," she said.
The council added that sponsorship was now being actively sought to help stage the town crier competition.