WORCESTER’S Victorian Christmas Fayre is up and running to provide lots of festive fun for visitors and residents of the city.
Hundreds of people gathered in the streets to listen to Christmas carols performed by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir outside the Guildhall last night before the procession of invited guests arrived at the Cornmarket for the official opening of the event.
The Bishop of Worcester, The Rt Rev Dr John Inge, called the crowds to worship, and there was a Bible reading by Mayor of Worcester Andy Roberts before Silent Night was sung in English, French and German with music from the Salvation Army.
Michael Clarke, chairman of VisitWorcester, said: “I want to welcome you all to the fair in Worcester. It is great to have you all here.”
Mr Clarke also welcomed their guests from the city’s twin towns Kleve and Le Vesinet and other international visitors who had gathered for the occasion.
Kleve representative Karl-Heinz Koester said it was the 17th year they had been to the fair, and said it was great to be able to trade together.
“Thank you for having us and we wish you all a Merry Christmas,” he said.
Le Vesinet representative Annie Serin said: “Every year we like to come to Worcester’s Christmas fair and rekindle our friendships. Thank you for inviting us to join in with this special event.” Coun Roberts said he was happy with the turnout.
“I’m just delighted with the people who have come here this evening and delighted with the costumes. I thought it was a very touching service and this fair really does show Worcester at its best.
Georgia Smith, from Visit Worcester, said they were expecting large crowds over the next few days.
The fair attracted 100,000 people last year and they were already up on coach bookings from last year.
This year, stalls will once again line New Street, Charles Street, Friar Street, Pump Street and parts of the High Street.
The fair runs until Sunday.
For the first time, there will be an arts and crafts area dedicated to local artists in Friar Street, and outside the Guildhall there is a larger international market.
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