An “obnoxiously loud” teenager has claimed the title of Grimsby’s first town crier in more than a century in time for the town’s royal charter anniversary.
Issac, 15, secured the unofficial role after a successful audition where he showcased his impressive vocal chords.
He said: “I realised I had an extremely loud voice. I thought why not. I’ve been practicing being loud. I’m obnoxiously loud all the time.”
The youngster was delighted with his win and the accompanying costume.
The teenager said: “I get a ridiculous hat.
“I guess that’s good. It’s all fun. I won with volume.”
The position had been vacant since the 1800s.
The Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society organised the audition to mark Great Grimsby Day, which coincides with Charter Day.
Issac, Grimsby’s new town crier said he was excited to wear the iconic costume
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Wednesday’s festivities commemorated 825 years since King John bestowed the town’s royal charter on 11 March 1201.
Civic Society member Graeme Bassett explained the thinking behind reviving the ancient tradition.
He said: “It’s all in the spirit of Great Grimsby Charter day. We are going back to the original social media of voice.”
Candidates were assessed on their vocal power, delivery and interpretation at Grimsby Town Hall.
Grimsby celebrated the 825th anniversary of the town receiving its Royal Charter
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The voluntary position carries no payment but offers participants the chance to serve their community in a historic capacity.
The 1201 charter gave local freemen the authority to levy their own taxes, establishing the foundations of municipal governance in the area.
King John and members of his royal court were present for the granting of Grimsby’s first Royal Charter.
At the time, the town was one of just seven places in England to receive such a document.
The charter effectively laid the foundations for local self-government and civic administration.
It was granted 14 years before the signing of the Magna Carta, widely regarded as one of the most significant documents in British history.
Mr Bassett said: “The town crier used to be called the bellman, and that position expired in about 1899.”
The Civic Society had sought someone with strong vocal projection and artistic flair for the ceremonial duties.
Isaac’s appointment represents a revival of what Mr Bassett described as the original form of social media, bringing public announcements back to the streets of the North East Lincolnshire town after more than 125 years.
The day’s programme featured a flag-raising ceremony at Grimsby Town Hall, where the borough’s flag was hoisted alongside the Union Jack.
An exhibition showcasing Grimsby’s royal connections also formed part of the commemorations.
Peter Milsom, who finished second in the town crier competition, attended the celebrations despite missing out on the top spot.
He said: “I thought I’d come along and join everybody else.
“It sounded like a fun event, and it’s a wonderful position.”
The festivities brought together residents to honour the historic milestone that shaped the town’s identity and system of self-governance over eight centuries ago.