OYEZ, oyez oyez! Town criers will be putting their vocal chords to the test in Wimborne next month.

The Southern England Town Crier’s Competition returns to the Minster Green on bank holiday Monday on May 6.

The event was originally part of the Blandford Forum Georgian Fayre but is now held every two years in Wimborne,

Wimborne’s fifth event promises to be a “fine spectacle of dandy costumes, beautiful frocks, healthy lungs and a true display of British eccentricity”.

Each contestant will produce a cry that has to be between 100 and125 words including the obligatory three Oyez to start and concluding with God Save The Queen.

The first round cry is to be the ‘Home Town Cry’ where participants must tell fascinating facts about their home while the second round is criers’ choice.

Contestants will be judged on their volume and clarity as well as their diction and inflection.

Prizes will be awarded for the champion cry, second and third places as well as the best dressed crier, best dressed escort and best dressed couple.

Dorset Youth Marching Band will lead the town criers to the square at 11am where they will entertain the crowds until 11.30am when the first round will take place.

Round two will start at 4pm with the results announced at 4pm.