Alan Myatt

Alan Myatt (born 1957) is an English town crier. He has set two Guinness World Records: the loudest crier, recording a cry of 112.8 decibels,[1][2] and the Guinness world record for vocal endurance, issuing a one-hundred word proclamation every 15 minutes for a period of 48 hours.[3]

Alan Myatt
Alan Myatt in Hitchin in Hertfordshire in 2009
Born1957 (age 65–66)
Occupation(s)Town crier, toastmaster, master of ceremonies, themed character actor
AwardsGuinness World Records for loudest town crier and vocal endurance
Websitewww.thememan.co.uk

Early life

A native of Gloucester, Myatt was born in the former Gloucester Royal Infirmary in Southgate Street in 1957 and grew up on Park End Road in the city. He attended a special boarding school in Exeter owing to concerns over his eyesight. On leaving school he worked in various trades before becoming a labourer on a building site. In the evenings he was a member of the amateur company the Gloucester Operatic and Drama Society with whom he performed during the mid-1980s. In 1989 he took part in a competition to find a town crier for Gloucester - and won.[4]

Career

He is a crier to commerce, industry and heritage, and can be seen at exhibitions, promotions and trade fairs across Europe. He is also a toastmaster, master of ceremonies and themed character actor.[3][5]

Myatt in Camden Town in 2023

He is the official town crier for the City of Gloucester,[3] for Letchworth Garden City[6] and Hitchin in Hertfordshire,[7] for London's Covent Garden[8] and also for various venues in the capital including the Stables Market in Camden Town.[3][9]

In July 2015 he crossed the English Channel to France in an attempt to be the first British town crier since 1066 to make an announcement on the French side of the water.[10]

Myatt is a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.[11]

References
  1. "Quiet night's sleep for 'world's loudest man'". BBC News. 19 June 2001. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  2. 'No tears as town crier receives medal for long service' - The Times - 13 May 2013
  3. "Oyez! ' Oyez! Town crier Alan Myatt rings in 25 years of service". Gloucester Citizen. Archived from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  4. Town Crier Alan Myatt earned up to £400 an event but Covid-19 has killed his revenue, Gloucestershire Live, 20 July 2020
  5. Alan Myatt's official website
  6. 'Dickensian market returns to Letchworth' - The Comet - 7 December 2013
  7. "George Hawkins History". Archived from the original on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  8. Myatt and the Covent Garden Area Trust Rent Ceremony
  9. "Paying the Rent Again". Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  10. 'Town crier Alan Myatt of Gloucester to cross Channel' - Western Daily Press - 30 July 2015
  11. Myatt on the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers website


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