SCROOGE, Sherlock Holmes and various villainous urchins will be stalking the streets when Worcester’s Victorian Fayre makes its return.

The event, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, runs from Thursday to Sunday, December 2-5. 

Now in its 29th year, the event will feature more than 180 stalls, food vendors and street entertainers. It is reckoned to bring in about £7 million to the city's economy each year.

The event opens with carols at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday at 4.45pm. The Mayor of Worcester will then lead a procession to the Cornmarket, where the ribbon will be cut at 5.30pm. This will be followed by more carols sung by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir and the Salvation Army. 

Among the fayre’s highlights this year will be Gin Alley. This den of iniquity will feature hawkers, pick pockets, temperance crusaders and urchins, accompanied by Music Hall favourites on the piano. Gin Lane will be found between New Street and The Shambles on Saturday from 4-8pm, and Sunday from noon to 4pm. Holmes and Watson will be on hand to investigate on Sunday.

Youngsters will have a chance to shine on stages at the Cathedral Square and at Crowngate’s Bell Square. There will be performances by pupils of Perry Wood, Red Hill, Tudor Grange, Carnforth, Lyppard Grange, Our Lady Queen of Peace, St Barnabas, St Clements and St George’s primary schools. Entertainment will also be provided by the Elgar School of Music, Worcester Ukulele Club, Nunnery Big Band and the Worcester Rock Choir. 

There will also be a stage in front of the Cardinal’s Hat on Friar Street.

Attractions running throughout the fayre include stilt-walking street entertainers, carol singers and buskers on every street corner.

The carousel will be back in the Cornmarket and traditional festive food will be on offer.

The Mayor said: "We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to Worcester’s Victorian Fayre; visiting it is one of the highlights of festive calendar for so many people.

"Many of the items sold at the Fayre’s stalls have been made locally. Coming to the event is a great opportunity to support our talented craftspeople and traders, who’ve had a particularly challenging year."

For more information, visit worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk or call in to the Tourist Information Centre next to The Guildhall on High Street.