THE city streets are busy with people enjoying the Victorian Christmas Fayre - but how many of them are wearing masks?

It is one of the busiest events on the city's calendar with thousands of people expected to cram into the city's streets to enjoy stalls and entertainment.

As the event is outdoors, there are no regulations in place to force people to wear a mask and there are also no rules on social distancing.

Rules came back into force this week telling people to wear masks in shops and on public transport.

But people are concerned about the rising covid figures and the Omicron variant which has just been discovered.

LIVE: Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre - day one

Despite this, our reporter estimated around a third of people were wearing masks correctly around the whole of the fayre with the majority being older people.

The vast majority of the stall holders were wearing face coverings.

A minority were wearing masks incorrectly either below their chin or not on their nose.

A straw poll on the High Street found that out of 30 people, 12 were wearing masks correctly.

Our reporter said that there was very little chance to social distance at pinch points including along the High Street near Cathedral Square.

READ MORE: Omicron variant - The precautions in place at Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre

However, most people were giving each other space where it was possible.

A spokesman for Worcester City Council said: “People are very excited about the return of the Victorian Fayre, and we are expecting and prepared for large crowds.

"So far we are seeing no sign of people changing their plans because of the new Covid variant, with coach bookings still coming in and a very positive response on social media.

"This year’s Fayre has been organised with the public’s safety as the number one priority, taking into account the recent update to the Covid rules.

"We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of residents and visitors to Worcester’s biggest festive event."