THE Victorian Christmas Fayre has been another huge success for traders, shoppers and the city of Worcester.
The heart of Worcester was bursting at the seams over the weekend as throngs of visitors enjoyed the final days of the fayre, which ended yesterday.
More than 100,000 people attended over the four days.
This year, stalls which line Friar Street, New Street, Charles Street, Pump Street and parts of the High Street were more spaced out, giving shoppers extra room to breathe.
There was a food court in the Cornmarket, an international market on the High Street, a more prominent position for the twin city stalls outside the Guildhall, and more live entertainment than ever before.
For stallholders Vick and Denise Curtis, who makes fun, funky jewellery from buttons, it was “absolutely fantastic”.
“We do six or seven fairs a year and it’s such a buzz,” said Mrs Curtis, who was manning the Simply Buttons stand in Friar Street.
“It’s like an exhibition for us because we don’t sell in any shops and we’re not online. And you get such lovely comments from people.”
Mrs Curtis praised the fair’s new layout.
She said: “It’s been so much easier to get around with the stalls spread out. It’s better for the shoppers and the stallholders, but for the big High Street shops too.”
Hailing the fayre as a huge success, Georgia Smith, head of organiser VisitWorcester, said: “We’ve been chatting to the police and they confirmed that well over 100,000 people attended.
“It’s been brilliant. For the most part the weather has kept fine, apart from a few light showers, and we’ve already had lots of positive feedback from members of the public and stall holders about how smoothly it has gone. We’re really pleased.”
Jennifer Collins and her sister-in-law Clare travelled from Pontypridd, south Wales, for the fair.
The 61-year-old said: “We come back every year because it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.”
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