NOTHING brings the faithful city of Worcester alive quite like the festive period as people get ready with a visit to the Victorian Christmas Fayre.

Whilst the fayre remains one of the main events on the festive calendar, there is no better time to come down and explore the wonders hidden within the picturesque streets of Worcester city centre.

Boasting a wide array of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and pubs, the city centre has the provisions that mean a full-day of shopping, exploring and eating is a great option for families, couples and people out on their own aiming to blitz their Christmas shopping.

In Friar Street, where local stalls will be based, there is also a great range of largely independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Pump Street leads you up to the High Street or onto the Shambles where a variety of well known shops are open and ready for the festive season.

Mike Ashton, chief executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce said: “Worcester goes from strength to strength, in no small part due to its natural beauty and its range of independent and chain shops and restaurants.”

Only recently shortlisted for a National High Street Award, city centre businesses have shown united strength in the face of adversity.

Whilst dogged by floods year in year out, the Open 4 Business campaign championed this year, meant that footfall only dropped for the day when flooding was at its peak, increasing 8.0% the day after.

As well as the Victorian Christmas Fayre, with free parking across the Christmas period, late night shopping every Thursday, and some of the best independent retail that can be found, there is no better time to visit Worcester city centre.

For more information visit visitworcestershire.org/christmasfayre, call the Tourist Information Centre on 01905 726311 or email touristinfo@visitworcestershire.org.