Worcester's Victorian Christmas Fayre is back – and promises to be a truly spectacular event, with over 180 stalls filling the city's streets from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 December.
Now in its 29th year, the Victorian Christmas Fayre is one of the most prestigious street fayres in the Midlands. The event regularly attracts over 100,000 people across the four days - contributing an estimated £7 million to the local economy each year.
"We're really looking forward to welcoming people back to Worcester's Victorian Fayre; visiting it is one of the highlights of festive calendar for so many people," says the Mayor, Cllr Stephen Hodgson.
"Many of the items sold at the Fayre's stalls have been made locally. Coming to the event is a great opportunity to support our talented craftspeople and traders, who've had a particularly challenging year. You're guaranteed to pick up some fantastic Christmas gifts and there will also be lots of great street entertainment too!"
Whether you're looking for a Christmas decoration, a piece of unique jewellery, an unusual item for the home or some edible festive treats, you won't be disappointed with the choice on offer.
Look out for Victorian characters in Gin Lane, lofty entertainers on stilts, children carol singing on performance stages around the city centre and buskers on every street corner.
Come and enjoy the unique atmosphere and sample traditional roast chestnuts and warming mulled wine – and don't forget to take a ride on the magnificent carousel in the Cornmarket!
The Fayre is a chance to step back in time, enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of how Christmas might have looked 150 years ago as the Victorian atmosphere fills the historic streets of Worcester.
It all starts with the traditional official opening ceremony on the evening of Thursday 2 December at 4.45pm, when officials and Cathedral choristers will process from the Cathedral to the Cornmarket, where the Mayor will officially declare the Fayre to be open.
Carols will be sung by the Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir accompanied by the Salvation Army, and there will be a short biblical reading and prayer. The opening ceremony will finish shortly after 6.00pm.
For visitor information, go to the Worcester Christmas Fayre website or visit the Worcester Tourist Information Centre, next door to The Guildhall on Worcester High Street.
