THE Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre starts with a jam packed evening of entertainment on Thursday (November 27).

The opening ceremony will begin with a procession departing at 5.15pm from the Guildhall, then the Mayor of Worcester, Alan Amos, will lead the way to the Cornmarket where the fayre will be officially opened.

Each year visitors to the ceremony enjoy the traditional opening event, which ends with the mayor taking a ride on the Victorian themed carousel.

There will also be all manner of merry musical entertainment outside the Guildhall provided by local choirs and schools, such as the Salvation Army Brass Band, and Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir who will be singing some festive numbers to kick things off.

The music will continue into the evening until around 8.45pm, with performances by Worcester Male Voice Choir, the Ledbury Waytes and the Appleyard Dancers.

There will also be musical entertainment outside the Cardinal’s Hat with live music on an outdoor stage throughout the four days of the Fayre.

And don't forget that there will be late night shopping every Thursday, so this will be an excellent opportunity to start your Christmas shopping, whilst making the most of the live entertainment that is on offer.

The evening marks the start of the four day event, ending on Sunday (Nov 30), which sees Worcester's historic streets filled with hundreds of stalls selling an array of products including local arts and crafts, international products, festive gifts and not forgetting the some scrumptious food and drink.

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