SUFFOLK, ENGLAND — November 4, 2026. British town crier Brenda Willison has officially earned a Guinness World Records title for the loudest scream by an individual woman, reaching an astonishing 105.9 decibels. The record-breaking attempt took place on September 9, 2026, in Fordham, England, where Willison demonstrated the extraordinary vocal power she has developed over nearly four decades.
A RECORD-BREAKING SCREAM HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR
Willison achieved the record by delivering the traditional town crier’s call, “Oyez,” a historic expression used to attract public attention.
Her scream registered 105.9 decibels using C-weighted sound measurement, a level comparable to standing near powerful machinery or hearing a loud car horn at close range.
The achievement earned her recognition from Guinness World Records, adding another distinction to a career built around public announcements, ceremonial appearances and vocal projection.
SHE BROKE THE RECORD WHILE BATTLING A COLD
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that Willison was reportedly suffering from a cold on the day of the attempt.
Despite not feeling at her best, she successfully reached the record-setting sound level.
Willison believes she could potentially produce an even louder scream under better conditions. She has previously recorded approximately 109 decibels during British town crier competitions, although those measurements were not necessarily conducted under the same official record-verification standards.
NEARLY FOUR DECADES AS A TOWN CRIER
Willison has worked as a town crier since 1987 and serves as the official town crier of Newmarket, Suffolk.
Her unusual career reportedly began after her daughters encouraged her to enter a town crier competition in Peterborough.
According to her account, they joked that her voice was so powerful she could shout for chips outside one café and be heard at another nearly 2.5 kilometers away.
What began as a family joke eventually developed into a long-running career in ceremonial public speaking.
FROM ROYAL CELEBRATIONS TO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Throughout her career, Willison has participated in major public celebrations, including events associated with the birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
She also won the World Town Crier Championship in Niagara Falls, Canada, in 1993.
In addition to the loudest scream by a woman, Willison holds the Guinness World Records title for the loudest female town crier.
MORE THAN JUST A LOUD VOICE
Willison emphasizes that successful town crying requires more than volume.
Clear pronunciation, strong diction, breath control and the ability to project words over long distances are essential elements of the tradition.
Her latest Guinness recognition demonstrates how a centuries-old public-speaking profession can still capture international attention.
And despite already making history, Willison believes her loudest scream may still be ahead of her.
