THE ghost of Christmas past was brought to life as the magic of the Victorian Christmas Fayre drew in thousands of visitors to Worcester.

The Scrooge-like weather may have been somewhat miserable but failed to deter visitors who packed the city streets to browse or buy.

Whether mulled wine or a spot of hot chocolate with a dash of brandy ushered in the Christmas season, there was a distinct festiveness in the air in the heart of Worcester at the weekend.

With 130 stalls spread out along the High Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, Mealcheapen Street and the Cornmarket there was something for everyone from hot food to high-quality festive goods such as wreaths, pottery, jewellery, crafts and artwork.

The European flavour continued with visitors from Kleve in Germany, Le Vesinet in France and Ukmerge in Lithuania making an appearance, courtesy of the Worcester Twinning Association.

Fayre events co-ordinator Nadja von Dahlen, of organisers VisitWorcester, said about 100,000 people had visited the event since it opened on Thursday and new stall holders had arrived this year.

She said: “People are very content with the fayre overall and despite the cold weather, a lot of people are turning out to visit. The food and drink stalls have been doing very well.

“It’s a really beautiful atmosphere to start the Christmas season off and you start to get into the right spirit with street entertainment to capture your attention and make a nice day out. The Victorian element is also key to this with stallholders wearing the costumes of the period.”

Meanwhile the breakfast with Santa and Christmas fayre at Pitmaston Primary School, Malvern Road, St John’s, Worcester proved a hit with children and parents alike.

Organised by the parents and friends association (PFA) to raise money for the school, the fayre included Santa’s grotto and a wishing well to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

Nicky Simmonds, a PFA member, said she expected the event would raise £500 for the school, helping pay for presents for all the children.

There were also 25 stalls selling jewellery, cards, cakes and sweets to help kick-start the Christmas shopping season.

Tenbury Mistletoe Festival provided some fun and festive frolics while keeping an ancient fertility ritual alive.

A druids’ procession and the crowning of Mistletoe Queen and Prince outside the Regal meant the festival remained faithful to its pagan roots while a lantern and Santa parade provided a festive spectacle for families.

Cripplegate Park in St John’s, Worcester, took an intergalactic feel for the tree-dressing yesterday, organised by the Friends of Cripplegate Park as children explored the final frontier.

The theme this year was space and the universe and trees were decorated with planets, stars, rockets, astronauts and aliens. The Sons of Rest building was decorated with a mural on the ceiling of the sky at night showing all the planets and a light show.

Even the cakes and the food had a space theme with star croutons, moon soup and see- in-the-dark soup.

Several city schools took part in the event, including Perryfields Short Stay School, Dines Green Primary School, St Clement’s Primary School, Oldbury Park Primary School and Sunbeams Pre-school.

Play ranger Fatima Kemili helped create some of the displays and organised workshops for the children.

Pat Richardson, Janet Salt and Catherine Paterson of the Friends helped provide tea, coffee and cakes.

• See our full picture gallery from the Victorian Fayre here.