ORGANISERS are predicting more than 100,000 people could visit Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre this year – the most yet.

The heart of Worcester was packed with people inspecting this year’s stalls, which are selling everything from chesnuts to cornflower jewellery.

The fair, which started on Thursday evening, ends tomorrow. Georgia Smith, head of VisitWorcester, said: “It’s going really well. Lots of visitors are coming in, both on coaches and individually.

“The stalls are busy and it’s a really nice atmosphere and the good weather has helped.

“If it continues, we expect to see in excess of 100,000 people visit the fair.”

There are more stalls than ever, some 140, but the fair’s new layout means there is more space for shoppers.

Annie Sevin, vice-president of the Le Vesinet Twinning Association, was delighted with her new location in front of Worcester’s Guildhall in the High Street.She said: “We have been here every single year for the last 13 years, but this is the first time we have been in front on the Guildhall. It is a great location.”

Stallholder Indre Sinkev-iciute, from Lithuania, was enjoying the fair.

She said: “I think it is great – we’re here for the first time. It’s our first trip and everything is going fine. Everyone is very friendly; great people and a great mood.”

The fair is now in its 17th year and for the first time, there is an arts and crafts area dedicated to local artists in Friar Street.

There is also a larger international market outside the Guildhall.

For more information about the fair, call Worcester Tourist Information Centre on 01905 726311 or visit visitworcester.com.