A town crier is a person who is employed by a town to make public announcements in the streets. They often dress elaborately usually in a red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and a tricorn hat.

They carry a hand bell to attract people's attention, as they shout the words "Oyez, Oyez!" before making their announcements. The words "Oyez, Oyez!" mean "hear ye", which is a call for silence and attention. Oyez in the French language means listen.