City 'never sparkled so brightly' this festive period

And the city has looked better than ever in the run-up to the big day. 

Over the last few days the city has been packed as shoppers get what they need with the tills ringing out. 

It has been a much-needed boost for city traders especially as the festive period in recent years was disrupted by Covid, and the Cost of Living crisis kicked in during 2022.

Mayor of Worcester Councillor Adrian Gregson said: "Despite the rising costs of living, Worcester is having a Christmas to remember, and it’s great to hear so many people have been enjoying it.

FESTIVE: Pump Street (Image: Visit Worcester)

"The festive lights are looking beautiful, the tills are ringing in our city’s shops, and the streets were packed during our traditional Victorian Fayre.

"The city council has worked incredibly hard to deliver a Christmas season that will lift the spirits and put a smile on people’s faces, and I hope that everyone is full of festive joy for the days ahead."

PACKED: Worcester during the Victorian Fayre (Image: Newsquest)

Sam McCarthy, from Worcester Bid -  the not-for-profit organisation that works to improve trading conditions for the businesses that contribute a BID levy - said: "This is the first year that the city businesses are back in force fully without Covid constraints, as last year was more of a recovery mode.

"The city has never sparkled so brightly with new areas of the city further enhanced with lighting.

"Worcester independents are leading the way at 68 per cent of the city’s make-up.

FESTIVE LIGHTS: New Street, Worcester (Image: Visit Worcester)

"Worcester has so much to offer, with locals continuing to support retailers on their doorstep rather than shopping online.’ 

Among the events in the run-up to Christmas was the hugely successful Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre which saw the city streets heaving with people as thousands flocked to the city to enjoy four days of festivities.

LIGHTS: High Street, Worceste (Image: Newsquest)

For the last few years, covid restrictions meant it has either been cancelled or restricted but it was back to its full force with stalls, entertainment, a traditional fairground and more.

The city council, with First Bus, also provided free bus travel in Worcester on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Saturday, December 10 - 6,978 passengers who would normally have had to pay taking advantage of that offer.