MORE THAN 100,000 people packed the city’s streets as they enjoyed this year’s Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre over four festive-filled days.
The annual event, which took place from Thursday, November 28, until Sunday, December 1, was run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce for the first time in the fayre’s 21-year history.
But the new organisers says they have been awash with positive feedback as visitors from all over the country flocked to Worcester.
More than 150 stalls filled the streets selling everything from roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to jewellery and handmade crafts, while a number of stallholders dressed in traditional clothes from the Victorian era.
The fayre also saw the return of the carousel at the Cornmarket which was once again packed with fairground rides and fun activities for families.
Helen Mole, head of events at the Chamber of Commerce, admitted the fayre exceeded her expectations and said the ‘local quarter’, which saw 20 companies based within 30 miles of Worcester, line Friar Street was a big hit with visitors.
“Considering it is our first year I was absolutely delighted with how it went,” she said. “It was a safe event, it ran really well and we managed to keep the storeholders and the visitors happy, so I am delighted.
“It was just overwhelmingly positive. We have worked really closely with certain shops in the city centre and we are planning to work closely with more next year because we are conscious it is important to get the balance right with traders and also the people who are here all year around.
“A big part of my job this year was to work with people and me and the team are really looking forward to working on next year’s event as we have got so many ideas of how we can make it even better.”
This year’s winner of the best dressed stall went to Bransford-based Fancy Features on New Street, while Garlands Catering from Hereford on Friar Street received the highly commended award.
