CROWDS flocked to a cruelty free fair organised by Worcester Vegans and Veggies at the Guildhall, Worcester, today.

Visitors browsed stalls selling food, clothing and cosmetics and found out about animal cruelty.

Organisers said they hoped to have doubled the amount of visitors from last year’s fair, when 1,000 people turned up.

Visitors came from across the country to the fair, which runs until 4pm.

Hannah French had travelled from Swindon for the event.

She said: “It’s brilliant. There aren’t many vegan festivals especially where we come from. This is the nearest one to where we live. It’s a great location as well.”

Student Olivia Cairns, from Worcester, said: “I’m liking the look of the cakes and the chocolate brownies.

“I think it’s really good for people to see there are cupcakes that are vegan and it’s not just about lettuce. Not to convert people but just to make them more aware that it’s become a bigger thing and is doable.”

Among the stallholders was Jess Fletcher, from Flo’s Kitchen, who was selling vegan-friendly pork pies among other products.

She said: “We do traditional foods but made vegan so the things you thought you’d miss you can still have.”

Jade Green, from Jade Green Vegan, said:” It’s busier than I thought it would be. It’s really nice to be among like-minded people.”

Michelle Newell, from Worcester Vegans and Veggies, said: “We are really pleased with how it’s gone. It’s a growing movement and lots of home industries are popping up where people are making their own food and clothes.

“There’s a massive demand for it out there.”

“A fair like this is a perfect opportunity to get people in looking at what’s around.”