Glastonbury bids farewell to beloved Town Crier
Not many towns can boast having their very own Town Crier, let alone one as spirited and cherished as David Greenway.
For nearly a decade, his ringing bell and bellowing voice have been the heart of Glastonbury’s High Street, its ceremonies, and its festivals. But now, at the age of 75, David is retiring, leaving behind a legacy filled with humour, history, and a deep love for the community he’s served so faithfully.
A Town Crier is no ordinary figure in a town like Glastonbury, where history and myth converge to create a unique cultural tapestry. Whether announcing civic events or engaging with tourists in his iconic 18th-century regalia, David has become a living symbol of the town’s spirit.
READ MORE: The world's longest serving KFC worker lives in Taunton
READ MORE: One-in-a-billion spherical egg found on farm
David Greenway’s life before becoming a town crier was steeped in science rather than history. Born in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, he pursued a career in teaching after qualifying in 1972. By 1980, he had moved to Glastonbury to take on the role of head of science at Whitstone School in nearby Shepton Mallet.
Teaching remained his primary profession for decades, though he briefly tried his hand as a driving instructor before returning to the classroom. “I’ve always enjoyed working with people,” David says. “Teaching is about connecting with students, and town crying isn’t all that different—it’s about engaging your audience, albeit in a much louder way.”
David retired from teaching in 2024, but his transition into town crying had already begun years earlier. “Becoming a town crier seemed like a lot of fun,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed acting, but my memory for scripts is useless. As a town crier, the script is on my scroll.”
He first stepped into the role in April 2014, delivering a proclamation on Glastonbury High Street. “I was advertising an event, and right from the start, I knew this was something special. It felt good to step into such a historic role.”
The role of town crier isn’t just ceremonial—it’s deeply rooted in history. Dating back to 1066, town criers were the original broadcasters, delivering royal decrees and local announcements to communities before literacy was widespread.
David embraced this tradition with gusto. “I love the long history of town crying in England,” he explains. “It’s a chance to re-enact the role of an 18th-century town crier for the thousands of tourists who visit Glastonbury every year. And, dare I say, to act as an ambassador for the town.”
For David, the historical aspect of the role is one of its greatest draws. Dressed in his gentleman’s greatcoat, adorned with gold braid and brass buttons bearing the royal crest, he embodies the spirit of a bygone era. “Town criers were historically the monarch’s messengers, and I’m proud to carry on that tradition in my own way,” he says.
Over the years, David’s duties have ranged from civic announcements to light-hearted engagements. Some of his cries have been particularly memorable, like his reading of a Platinum Jubilee proclamation written by then-Prince Charles. “It was televised live on the BBC,” he recalls. “Standing on the Tor and delivering those words was an unforgettable moment.”
Another poignant cry was the Accession Proclamation, announcing the death of the Queen and King Charles III’s succession. “It was the longest and hardest cry I’ve ever done,” David admits. “The solemnity of the occasion required precision, and I’m thankful it went perfectly.”
But it hasn’t all been serious business. David has also been hired for personal events, including announcing a marriage proposal at Glastonbury Abbey. “I was just glad she said yes when he popped the question!”
Of course, not every proclamation is steeped in ceremony. David’s tenure has been filled with moments of laughter and whimsy, reflecting his quick wit and good humour.
“Once, at the Frost Fayre, I was ‘kidnapped’ by Vikings and held captive for several hours,” he says. “It was all a set-up for charity, but the spectacle of being marched through the High Street by ferocious warriors had everyone laughing.”
Then there was his infamous calendar shoot. “I posed for a charity calendar wearing nothing but a strategically placed scroll and my tricorn hat. I was ‘Mr September,’ and let’s just say my dignity was barely preserved.”
While he’s had his share of funny moments, there have also been challenges. Early in his career, David learned the importance of pacing himself. “In my early days, I cried myself hoarse after just two hours. I quickly realised I needed to pace myself and take breaks.”
Despite the demands of the role, David says the public’s reaction has made it all worthwhile. “People love the regalia and the theatricality of it all. It’s wonderful to see how much joy it brings.”
For David, being a town crier isn’t just about shouting announcements—it’s about preserving a piece of living history. “Tourism contributes more than £150 billion annually to the British economy,” he notes. “Tourists love our traditions, and town criers embody that heritage. We’re part of Britain’s living history.”
In a digital age, the sight of a bell-ringing, elaborately dressed town crier is a reminder of the importance of human connection. “There’s something about the theatricality of it all that fascinates people,” David says. “It brings a human touch to public life.”
After eleven years of service, David is stepping down. The decision wasn’t easy, but it was practical. “It’s important to quit while you’re still at the top of your game,” he says. Arthritis in his thumbs also made ringing his 1.72kg bell increasingly difficult. “My wife is retiring soon, too, and we’re looking forward to spending more weekends together.”
In retirement, David plans to focus on his hobbies, including photography, woodworking, and stained glass. “I’ll miss being at the centre of events,” he admits. “But I’m ready for this next chapter.”
As for his successor, David has just one piece of advice: “Choose someone who loves Glastonbury as much as I have.”
David Greenway’s time as Glastonbury’s town crier has left an indelible mark on the town. From his booming voice to his warm interactions with locals and visitors, he’s embodied the spirit of the community. Even his parting proclamation is filled with his signature humour and heart: “Long may Glastonbury flourish.”