Community choirs, local bands, schools and performers will take centre stage during four days of festive entertainment at this year’s Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre.
Running from Thursday 4 December to Sunday 7 December, the popular fayre is set to welcome 150,000 visitors across the four days.
Organised by Worcester City Council, the annual Fayre brings an estimated £7.3 million boost to the local economy each year through increased footfall, overnight stays and spending with city businesses.
Visitors can explore more than 200 stalls, while listening to live festive music throughout the day.
Musical performances will be on the Community Stage in Cathedral Square throughout the Fayre’s packed four-day programme, continuing until 9pm on Thursday and Friday, 8pm on Saturday, and 5pm on Sunday.
The traditional opening ceremony starts at 5.30pm on Thursday in Cornmarket Square, featuring carols and an address from the Mayor, followed by the Christmas tree lights switch-on in Cathedral Square at 7.15pm.
Cllr Dr Matt Lamb, the Mayor of Worcester said: “Christmas is such a magical time of year in Worcester.
“As the city sparkles with festive lights and the spirit of the season fills the air, the Victorian Fayre remains a highlight for residents and visitors alike. You can find full details at worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk.”
New for 2025, the BBC Introducing slots will see talented musicians and bands from Worcester and the surrounding area take to the Cathedral Square stage.
Worcestershire band Wood Burnt Red will close the opening night with a performance from 8pm to 9pm.
On Friday 5 December, music begins at 11am, with BBC Introducing artists Ciars, Aliesha Jade and Molly Gone Mad performing from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Saturday’s music programme starts at 10am with Got 2 Sing, followed by a full day of entertainment leading up to Malvern band Ranagri at 5.45pm, then Sign of Angelo and Lucia, with live music running until 8pm.
Sunday’s music starts at 11am, followed by BBC Introducing performances between 12pm and 2pm, featuring Worcestershire singer Rachaayluu, Andy Grimwood and others. Lollipop Youth Theatre will bring the weekend’s entertainment to a close from 4pm to 5pm.
BBC Hereford & Worcester presenter Andrew Marston said: “We’ve been delighted to support the very best of local life throughout 2025, from the Worcester City Runs and the Worcester Show to the return of Warriors and a trophy-winning season for our county cricketers.
“And what better way to cap off the year than by bringing some of our finest local talent to the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre?
"BBC Introducing has discovered some huge household names over the years, and we’re proud to bring more future festival headliners to this iconic event.”
Throughout the Fayre, Victorian-themed characters will mingle with the crowds. Stilt walkers and Re-enactors will appear daily; Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson will be investigating fictional crimes on Saturday 6 December; and the Temperance Lady and Scrooge will visit on Sunday 7 December.
The much-loved Gin Lane returns, transforming the alleyway between New Street and The Shambles into a Victorian-style scene on Friday (5pm–9pm) and Saturday (4pm–8pm), complete with hawkers and flower sellers, magic and alchemy, urchins, singing and dancing.
This year’s Fayre is being proudly sponsored by The Conservatory in Friar Street, with support from CARS Service Centre Worcester and Fitout Management UK.
To help visitors travel easily, a frequent park and ride service will operate between County Hall and Worcester Bus Station—from 8.45am to 10pm on Saturday 6 December and 9.45am to 6.40pm on Sunday 7 December.
Beryl Bikes are supporting the Fayre by encouraging sustainable travel, offering visitors one free ride during market opening hours.
For full Victorian Fayre details visit the website.
