CHRISTMAS is coming to Worcester, and with it the return of the annual Victorian Fayre.

The event, which regularly sees thousands of people flock to Worcester, returns between December 2 and 5.

Featuring more than 180 stalls, street entertainers, food vendors and craft stalls, the event is in its £29th year.

It is estimated to bring in £7million to the city's economy each year.

Mayor of Worcester Cllr Stephen Hodgson said: "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.

"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."

The opening ceremony, which gets underway at 4.45pm on December 2, will see officials and choristers walk from the Cathedral to the Corn Market, where Cllr Hodgson will declare the fayre officially open.

Carols will be sung by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir and will be accompanied by the Salvation Army.

In addition, there will be a short bible reading and a prayer with the opening ceremony coming to a close at around 6pm.

Attractions include Gin Lane, entertainers on stilts, children singing carols and buskers on every street corner.

In addition, the carousel will be returning to the Cornmarket alongside seasonal offerings including roast chestnuts and mulled wine.

The Victorian Fayre was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

At the time, organisers announced they had cancelled the event as the risks associated "were simply too high".

This was because of the event's reliance on large numbers of staff from the emergency services to keep the public safe.

The Christmas markets in Gloucester, Lincoln and Bath were also cancelled at the same time.

For visitor information, go to www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk or visit the Worcester Tourist Information Centre, next door to The Guildhall on Worcester High Street.