COMMUNITY choirs, local bands, schools and performers will take centre stage during four days of festive entertainment at this year’s Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre.
Running from Thursday (December 4) to Sunday (December 7), the popular fayre, organised by Worcester City Council, is set to welcome 150,000 visitors across the four days.
There will be more than 200 stalls to explore and live festive music throughout the day.
Musical performances will be on the Community Stage in Cathedral Square throughout the fayre’s packed four-day programme, continuing until 9pm on Thursday and Friday, 8pm on Saturday, and 5pm on Sunday.
The traditional opening ceremony starts at 5.30pm on Thursday in Cornmarket Square, featuring carols and an address from the mayor, followed by the Christmas tree lights switch-on in Cathedral Square at 7.15pm.
Mayor Coun Dr Matt 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. You can find full details at worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk.”
New for 2025, the BBC Introducing slots will see talented musicians and bands from Worcester and the surrounding area take to the Cathedral Square stage.
Worcestershire band Wood Burnt Red will close the opening night with a performance from 8pm to 9pm.
On Friday December 5, music begins at 11am, with BBC Introducing artists Ciars, Aliesha Jade and Molly Gone Mad performing from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Saturday’s music programme starts at 10am with Got 2 Sing, followed by a full day of entertainment leading up to Malvern band Ranagri at 5.45pm, then Sign of Angelo and Lucia, with live music running until 8pm.
Sunday’s music starts at 11am, followed by BBC Introducing performances between 12pm and 2pm, featuring Worcestershire singer Rachaayluu, Andy Grimwood and others. Lollipop Youth Theatre will bring the weekend’s entertainment to a close from 4pm to 5pm.
Throughout the fayre, Victorian-themed characters will mingle with the crowds. Stilt walkers and re-enactors will appear daily. Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson will be investigating fictional crimes on Saturday (December 6) and the Temperance Lady and Scrooge will visit on Sunday (December 7).
And the much-loved Gin Lane returns, transforming the alleyway between New Street and The Shambles into a Victorian-style scene on Friday (5pm–9pm) and Saturday (4pm–8pm), complete with hawkers and flower sellers, magic and alchemy, urchins, singing and dancing.
Visit www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk for more details.
