Halifax’s town crier 'proud' to proclaim the Coronation of King Charles III at the Piece Hall

Ahead of the ceremony, which was showcased live on a big screen within one of Yorkshire’s most iconic venues, Les, 64, delivered a cry which was penned by a member of the Loyal Company of Town Criers.

Les, who is chairman of the organisation, as well as the bellman of the borough of Calderdale, said of the historic occasion: “It is unbelievable to be fair.

"You always think: ‘Is it going to happen? Are we going to get a new King?’

"It has happened in my lifetime, which is fabulous, although it was a very sad loss that we lost the Queen.

“But it’s great that I can be involved with the King being crowned today. It is absolutely incredible. It has been absolutely superb.

“This is certainly the jewel in Halifax’s crown, and probably the jewel in Yorkshire.

"I am so proud to be a part of this town and the surrounding area. We live in a fabulous place.”

Hundreds of onlookers within the Grade I listed building fell eerily silent to listen to the cry.

On the proclamation, Les, who has been Halifax’s town crier for 22 years, said: “The Loyal Company is loyal to the Queen and loyal to the King.

"All of our cries start with oyez, oyez, oyez, and end in God Save The King.

"We have an allegiance to the Royal Family and that’s why we’re called loyal because we stay loyal to the crown.

“The cry was written by Great Harwood’s Rawden Kerr, and criers from the company have been performing that particular cry today.”

Les’ full cry is below:

“Oyez, Oyez, Oyez.

“The good people of Halifax and Calderdale, welcome.

“We gather here today, the sixth of May 2023, on this joyous and historic occasion for Calderdale and for the whole of the United Kingdom.

“It is today that our new Monarch is invested with his regalia and is formally crowned as King of this country, and of his commonwealth.

“May his reign be known for wisdom and fairness to all.

“We join as both a community and as a kingdom to celebrate and to rejoice.

“Long live King Charles III, and God Save The King.”