Once again stallholders will be donning their Victorian outfits to bring a taste of old fashioned Christmas cheer to the city. Andrea Calvesbert reports

WHAT a way to launch yourself into Christmas - strolling the streets of Worcester at twilight, smelling the heady scent of mulled wine and roast chestnuts and picking up some unusual Christmas presents on the way.

Opening on Thursday evening, November 30, and trading on December 1, 2 and 3,Worcester Victorian Fayre has become a popular annual event with people travelling from far and wide to enjoy the party atmosphere.

This year about 100 stallholders will be selling everything from wooden toys to food and drink and it is a great place to choose some presents. Many of the things on sale are handmade by local craftspeople and some things such as Christmas tree decorations can be personalised on site.

Centred mainly along Friar Street and up towards the Cornmarket, the stalls always enjoy a roaring trade.

Barry Cooke, city council press officer, said: "This year will be similar to previous years and run along the same successful format, but will be even better." When you fancy some refreshment, you can choose from Victorian fare or something more recent such a hot chocolate and soup or burgers.

Of course, all the eateries in Friar Street and the rest of Worcester will also be open if you want to sit somewhere a little more peaceful but soaking up the atmosphere armed with a mulled wine

on a chilly evening is hard to beat. It really will be a family trip out and children will love the numerous street entertainers who will stroll around the city centre including stilt walkers, fire eaters and jugglers. Also at the far end of town by the Cornmarket will be the traditional fun fair to provide a special end to a fun trip out.