Huddersfield’s town crier staged his own Cinderella rags to riches story when he unveiled his striking new outfit for the first time.
Veteran crier Vic Watson has ditched his old and worn bottle green outfit to become the first town crier in the country to possess a head-turning turquoise sequined costume.
Now dressed in a bright coat, fully sequined waist jacket and a lace insert, he certainly will make a grand entrance when he officially unveils it as his standard dress at the Nantwich Town Criers contest later this summer.
Vic, who has been the town’s bell-ringer for more than 15 years, got the idea for the garish design after being inspired by a similar costume in Canada.
Sheards, Cartwrights Cars and Home and Garden all dug into their pockets to stump up the cost of his new garb, which was made by Stage Wear Unlimited in Rotherham following a recommendation from pantomime star Billy Pearce.
Vic, from Dalton, is one of the few criers in the country who does not receive any financial help from the local council and is known around town for opening community events.
He also hosted the British Town Crier Championships in the town last year.
Vic said: “My old green one was falling apart because I had had it for 12 years and there were holes everywhere.
“I couldn’t afford to replace it myself because I already fund my own travel and other expenses but fortunately several businesses have helped me out, which is fantastic.
“I wanted something that no one else had and I’m pretty sure that no one else in the country is sporting a similarly-coloured one to this.
“I think it is fantastic and I am really pleased with the end result. The sequins are a great final touch.
“I like to be different and who knows, maybe it will help put Huddersfield on the map.”
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