PREPARATIONS are underway for the highlight of Worcester’s festive calendar – the Victorian Christmas Fayre.
Thousands of visitors will flock to the city centre for the annual event between Thursday December 4 and Sunday December 7.
Worcester City Council is once again organising the fayre, which brings an additional £7.3 million a year to the local economy through additional visitors, overnight stays, and spend with local businesses.
More than 200 stalls will line Worcester’s streets, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere and attracting over 150,000 visitors across the four days.
Cathedral Square will come alive with the sounds of local school and community choirs, alongside live music performances.
Over in Cornmarket, visitors can enjoy the traditional funfair and the ever-popular Victorian carousel.
Adding to the festive magic, street performers will bring the city to life with lively entertainment, while the darkly humorous world of Gin Lane returns on Friday and Saturday evenings. This will see the Clik Clik Collective transform the Shambles alleyway into a nostalgic Victorian scene, complete with themed performers, games, and singing.
Worcester’s mayor Coun Dr Matt Lamb will officially open the Victorian Fayre on Thursday December 4.
The celebrations will begin at 5.30pm in Cornmarket Square with carols and a speech by the mayor, followed by the switching on of the Christmas tree lights in Cathedral Square at 7.15pm.
Coun Dr Lamb said: “Christmas is such a magical time of year in Worcester.
“As the city sparkles with festive lights and the spirit of the season fills the air, the Victorian Fayre remains a highlight for residents and visitors alike.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase Worcester at its best – full of entertainment, warm hospitality, unique stalls, and of course, my personal favourite, the carousel.”
To make getting in and out of the city centre easier, a frequent park and ride service will run from County Hall to Worcester Bus Station, operating from 8.45am to 10pm on Saturday December 6 and 9.45am to 6.40pm on Sunday December 7.
