The CTCGEC in Ninove in 2010

The Town Crier of Ninove, Hans Van Laethem, with a record to be proud of (a small selection: Vice-World Champion in 2000, European Champion in 2002, first Belgian Champion in 2005 and World Champion in 2005), is now well known by domestic and foreign Town Criers.

For 5 years now, Hans is the Chairman of the Guild of Town Criers of the European Continent (GTCEC).

As for today, there are 18 Town Criers from Belgium, two from The Netherlands and two from Great Brittan "full member" of the GTCEC.

‘Overseas members’ can participate and become a ‘full member’.

His contacts with other Town Criers and his participation in various competitions gave Hans the idea to organize a 2-year Championship for Town Criers of the Guild of the European Continent (CTCGEC).

Contacts were made with the Mayor and Aldermen in Ninove to give our ‘Carrot City’ the opportunity to be the first to host this event.

The city council gave its blessing and the application was officially submitted with the known positive result.

The shops and pubs can only benefit from this event, were so many Town Criers and their Spouses will be present. The attendance of the interested public will ensure a top day for restaurants and retailers.

The Championship for Town Criers of the European Continent (CTCGEC) will take place in Ninove on Sunday, August 1, 2010 in the courtyard of the brewery Slaghmuylder.

First of all, this event means an unprecedented tourism promotion in Ninove. As - at a rough estimate - between 20 and 25 Town Criers visiting the city, dressed in the most varied and colorful costumes, cannot be unnoticed.

This event would certainly fit well in the Jubilee 2010 (50 years carnival, 150 years brewery 150 and last but not least 375 years Abbey Church).

The program will be as follows:

Planning on July 31, 2010

11.00 AM to 01.00 PM: Registration in pub "Den Belleman" - Denderkaai 26 - 9400 Ninove

From 02.00 PM: parade: pub ‘Den Belleman’ à Burchtdam à Burchtstraat à City Hall (drawing the order of participation)

Afterwards the participants are free to explore the city.

Planning on August 1, 2010

Breakfast with host families (we provide a two nights stay with breakfast)

± 10.00 AM: arrival at the brewery
± 11.00 AM: 1^st cry

± 03.00 pm: 2^nd cry + results

The Organizing Committee will do its best to present this organization as a great cultural event.

Town Criers have now become glorified folklore. But for centuries they had a very important social function. ‘The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers’ in Britain, and also the many Belgian Town Criers and those of other nationalities are the living proof that the tradition is far from dead.

Finally, the whole CTCGEC2010 will bring a great cultural impact in the entire region. The CTCGEC2010 is an ideal opportunity to put our region, the ‘Denderstreek’ ‘Pajottenland’ and why not, Flanders in the spotlights.