THE CHRISTMAS Fayre is another sell-out this year as people flock to Worcester to taste the festive spirit of the city.

The popular Victorian-themed street market kicks off on Thursday and runs until Sunday.

All 110 available stalls were snapped up within a few days of being released and every available coach parking space in the city has been booked for most of the event.

The event now attracts traders and shoppers from all over the country. Last year, coach parties arrived from as far afield as Manchester, Rotherham, Leeds and Taunton, and more than 100,000 shoppers are estimated to have visited.

Mayor Gareth Jones will officially open the fair at 5.45pm on Thursday with an open-air carol service in the Cornmarket.

Street performers, including school choirs, the Salvation Army Band and local morris and clog dancers, will keep visitors entertained as they browse the array of stalls offering festive goodies.

Many of the favourite stall-holders will be making a re-appearance, alongside some new ones, including local artist Gary Walton showing limited edition prints and original paintings, and Fayretale, dealing in German-style Christmas gifts and decorations.

The "best stall" competition will be hotly contested on Friday as stallholders vie with each other for the best overall display alongside the best Victorian costume. The winner will receive a cash prize from BUPA Southbank Hospital and a Marks & Spencer hamper.

Former winners Ironman, Snowy's Ark, Russian Crafts, Serendipity and a traditional produce stall from the city's German twin town Kleve will all be hoping for a repeat performance this year. Judges from BUPA Southbank, The Chamber of Commerce, and the Tourism Association will be casting an expert eye over every stall in a two-and-a-half-hour survey.

A number of other events have been scheduled to coincide with this year's fayre. Entry to the Commandery is free all weekend, Royal Worcester is holding a free daily prize draw, a weekend craft fair is being held in the Cathedral and a Christmas Bazaar is running in the Guildhall on Saturday.

Francis Lankester, the city council's portfolio holder for tourism and riverside regeneration, said he found it hard to imagine a more festive and joyous scene than the Fayre in full swing.

"When you see scenes of Worcester looking like a traditional Christmas card brought back to colourful life, we should extend all credit to those involved in its organisation," he said.