Worcester's Victorian Christmas Fayre brings UK visitors to city

Among the thousands perusing the stalls in the city centre or taking a ride on the big wheel were David Reeson, age 69, and Isobel Reeson, age 68.

The couple from Stourbridge were enjoying a hot cup of mulled wine. 

Mrs Reeson said: "It's chilled out and family-friendly. There are lots of independent retailers and they are selling products for a good a price too.

"I think it is much better than Birmingham and reminiscent of the European markets."

Many of the stallholders are familiar with the Christmas market returning year after year.

Among them was Peter Sahota from Selly Punjabi who was spending his seventh year at the Christmas fayre - and regularly sells his samosas and bhajis in the city centre.

He said: "It's vibrant. I always do well when I come to the fayre."

Worcester Victorian Christmas Market will continue today (Saturday) and Sunday.

Throughout the weekend there will be performances in Cathedral Square and Bell Square as well as the traditional funfair in the Cornmarket.

Making his 20th appearance at the market is sweet seller Sheldon Stokes who runs the stall with his wife.

He said: "I come from Bristol to the Christmas market but travel all over the UK."

David Reeson, 69, Isobel Reeson, 68. Enjoying mulled wine. They’ve come from Stourbridge (Image: Newsquest)

VICTORIAN: Cathy Heritage, 52 and Pete Heritage, 59. Who run a stall called Case for Cooking. Husband and wife. It’s their first time at the fayre (Image: Newsquest)

SWEET STUFF: Sheldon Stokes, 61, selling sweets opposite the carousel. He’s been at the fayre for 20 years (Image: Newsquest)

SAY CHEESE: Father and Daughter manning Croome Cuisine. Martin Nichols, 58 and Lucy Nichols. It’s a busy stall! (Image: Newsquest)

TASTER: People try samples of Croome Cheese (Image: Newsquest)

Peter Sahota, 51, owns Selly Punjabi and has been trading here for seven years. (Image: Newsquest)

TASTY: The ever popular Churro stand in the High Street (Image: Newsquest)

TEMPTING: Burgers and sausages sizzling away ready for hungry customers. (Image: Newsquest)

HARD AT WORK: Louise, 31 and Karl, 53 who work for the council, ready to pick up the litter (Image: Newsquest)