PEOPLE are travelling from all over the country to enjoy Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre.

Wrapped up warm against the cold, shoppers yesterday strolled along the many stalls and sampled food and drink.

Children enjoyed fairground rides and stallholders had made a special effort to dress up in the Victorian theme.

Steve Slawson, from Worcester’s Round Table, was busy roasting chestnuts and said: “The money we raise will go to the Make a Difference Campaign and help a variety of local clubs and charities.

“It seems to be going well and we have a tonne (1,000kg) of nuts to get us through the weekend.” Handmade crafts, jewellery and clothing were on offer for people searching for a unique Christmas present. Shoppers were also able to sample the delights of overseas goods, including cheese, wine and crepes from Le Vesinet in France. The town, along with Kleve in Germany, is twinned with Worcester and all three city’s had stalls at the fayre.

Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Worcester Severn worked tirelessly serving pork baps to visitors, and mulled wine was served by members of the Rotary Club of Worcester South. June Fitter, aged 77, from Redditch, was visiting the fayre for the first time and enjoying a warming glass of mulled wine. “It is lovely and nice to see something different,” she said.

The fayre, in Mealcheapen Street, New Street, Friar Street, Charles Street, Cornmarket and High Street is open today from 11am to 9.30pm and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.