THE city centre’s streets were packed with shoppers this weekend for the Victorian Fayre.

Visitors from as far afield as Cornwall descended on Worcester to soak up the atmosphere.

In a first for the event, stalls were set up in Cathedral Square, as well as along the city's streets.

Helen Mole, city council officer for tourism and events, said: “We had about 200 coaches come over the four days of the fayre, from all over the country. The furthest was from Cornwall.

“Coaches have been coming pretty much since the fayre began [in 1992]. Year on year they come back.

“Visitors like the atmosphere, the Victorian dress and Worcester’s local businesses and restaurants.

“You drink mulled wine, look at the shops, start Christmas shopping, meet friends and eat food. It’s the start of Christmas for people.”

She added that coaches get a police convoy into the city centre when picking up departing visitors, to ensure the vehicles arrive on time.

The council officer also trumpeted the benefits of the fayre, which brings in £7.3million to the county's economy, according to an independent survey from 2015.

Nick Hunt, the owner of Saffrons, in New Street, set up a gin stand outside his restaurant for the first time this year.

He said: "It's been good business. We are serving gin outside and selling all things gin; glasses, gin candles, mulled sloe gin.

"Since chain restaurants came in we have had to diversify. The fayre is good for the city. It helps when footfall is dropping."

He added that the event has become more popular over the years, spreading across the city centre.

Police urged shoppers to be vigilant for pickpockets in a tweet on Friday afternoon, although organisers were not aware of a rise in crime on previous years.