Fort Royal Park in Worcester is playing host to a day of festive fun to mark the shortest day of the year.

On December 21, visitors of all ages are invited to the annual winter solstice celebrations put on by the Friends of Fort Royal Park with craft stalls, activities for kids and refreshments provided throughout.

There will also be a procession of light to celebrate the winter solstice and visitors are advised to bring a torch or lantern to accompany it.

Councillor Lynn Denham, chair of the Friends of Fort Royal said: “The winter solstice is a very old English tradition going back a very long time and we wanted to do something to celebrate it.

“It is a really nice way of watching the sun set behind the cathedral and to say goodbye to the old year.

“People will be able to write their hopes for the new year and regrets they want to leave behind on leaves which will be put in a special brazier we’ve got.

“I think it is a great way to counter the commercialism of Christmas.”

The winter solstice celebration kicks off at 3pm on December 21 and runs until 5.30pm at Fort Royal Park on Wylds Lane.

This year the sun is expected to rise at 08.16 and set at 15.58, giving the city just seven hours, 42 minutes of sunlight. After the solstice the days will get gradually longer until the summer solstice on June 21.

For more information call 01905 722 233 or email greenspaceevents@worcester.gov.uk