What’s Happening?
Toowoomba Region Ambassador and Town Crier Kevin Howarth will return to international competition later this month. He will represent the region at the Chester World Town Crier Tournament in north-west England.
The tournament gives Mr Howarth another opportunity to carry Toowoomba’s voice before an international audience. His appearance also continues a successful record at national and overseas competitions.
Why It Matters
Mr Howarth’s Chester appearance will promote Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and surrounding areas beyond Australia. He brings considerable competition experience and a strong commitment to his regional ambassador role.
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald wished Mr Howarth success and praised his enthusiasm for representing the region.
“Kevin has a wealth of competition experience, including past international contests in England,” Mayor McDonald said. “Kevin is passionate about representing our Region. He is a loud, proud, unabashed master at promoting the most appealing aspects of the Toowoomba Region. He has performed with distinction at many national competitions too, so I’m positive he will prepare and perform to his usual enthusiastic standard. Kevin will be primed for his performance as he will leave for England soon after the Grand Central Floral Parade on the opening weekend of the 2026 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.”
Local Impact
Mr Howarth’s work as the region’s ambassador connects his competition appearances with local promotion. Through these events, he shares the region’s natural beauty and attractions with audiences from across the world.
“I’m bursting to represent the Toowoomba Region and enjoy spruiking the natural beauty and varied attractions of the Darling Downs and surrounding areas to international audiences,” Mr Howarth said.
He also thanked Council and the many people who have supported and encouraged him throughout his town crier career.
By the Numbers
Mr Howarth will arrive in Chester with recent national success and considerable international competition experience.
- More than 25 town criers will compete, representing the United Kingdom, other European countries, the United States, Canada and Australia.
- In 2025, Mr Howarth won four categories at the 36th National Town Crier Championships in Canberra.
- The Chester World Town Crier Tournament will run for seven days, from 20 to 26 September 2026.
Zoom In
Mr Howarth has previously tested his voice against competitors across England. In 2024, he participated in numerous competitions throughout the country.
His appearances included the Armada Cup at Plymouth, alongside competitions in Kingsbridge and Dartmouth in southern England. This experience will help him prepare for the international field in Chester.
Zoom Out
Although results matter, Mr Howarth sees the tournament as more than a formal competition. It also allows town criers to exchange ideas, discuss their public roles and encourage one another.
“The Town Criers take the competition seriously, but we enjoy encouraging each other and swapping experiences about our roles.”
What To Look For Next?
Mr Howarth will first appear in the Grand Central Floral Parade during the carnival’s opening weekend. Soon afterwards, he will leave for England ahead of the Chester tournament.
His performance could add another international achievement to his decorated record while bringing further recognition to the Toowoomba Region.