Preparations for Worcester Victorian Christmas Market 2024

Worcester will be sent back to the 1800s as work is underway to transform the city ahead of the popular annual Victorian fayre which opens on Thursday (November 28).

Wooden huts decorated with green garlands have been installed within Cathedral Square and across the High Street today (Wednesday) before tomorrow's festivities.

Wooden huts decorated with green garlands have appeared. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Five things you have to do at Worcester's Victorian Christmas Fayre

A stage has also appeared in Cathedral Square and anti-terrorism barriers have been installed across walkways. 

Shops have also begun to decorate their windows to fit the Victorian theme, with some, like Mr D's Olde Sweet Shop, creating a window scene from The Christmas Carol.

How do I get to Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre 2024?

First Bus will run a Park and Ride from Sixways Stadium to Crowngate Bus Station, and several extended services will run later than normal.

There will be dozens of locations to store bicycles around the city centre, and Beryl bikes will be available from stations across the city.

The Cornmarket Car Park will be closed while the fayre is taking place, and visitors have been warned to use the city's several other car parks, such as St Martins Gate. 

Around 200 stalls full of food and gifts will line Cathedral Square, Cornmarket, the High Street, New Street and the Shambles.

Work has commenced on the city's market. (Image: Newsquest) Mayor Mel Allcott will kickstart the event tomorrow during a ceremony which will begin at 4.45pm in Worcester Cathedral.

It will then finish on Sunday at 5pm.

READ MORE: Worcester's Victorian Christmas Fayre named one of the best in the UK

During the weekend, there will be a Victorian fun fayre and numerous characters like Sherlock Holmes and stilt walkers roaming the streets.

Green garlands have been decorated with red and gold baubles. (Image: Newsquest) Live actors will also be ready to greet visitors down Gin Lane - a small alleyway between New Street and The Shambles where you can hang out amongst the hawkers and flower sellers,  magic and alchemy, urchins, gin addiction, singing and dancing. 

Gin Lane will be open from 5pm to 9pm on Friday and 4pm to 8pm on Saturday.

The Guildhall is looking rather festive. (Image: Newsquest) The Telegraph has recently rated Worcester Victorian Christmas Market one of the best in the UK.

It said: "In 2024, visitors can look forward to almost 200 stalls scattered across the city centre, selling a selection of local arts, crafts, gifts and street food.

"A busy entertainment programme includes a host of Victorian characters roaming the city, from the Temperance Lady, who may pressure you to sign a pledge denouncing the demon drink, Scrooge, stilt walkers, street urchins, musicians and more."