It might surprise you, but many of today’s Christmas traditions were introduced until the Victorian era. Decorating Christmas trees, gift-giving, and eating turkey were all brought over from German tradition by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert – and were later popularised in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. So this Victorian Christmas Fayre in Worcester is all about getting back to our Christmas roots.
Only on for a few days (November 28 to December 1), Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre sees the city centre come alive with Victorian-themed characters, timely festive treats and old-school attractions. Having started back in 1992 by traders from New Street and Friar Street, the fayre has since grown to include now the areas of Pump Street, High Street, the Cornmarket and Cathedral Square.
Why should I visit this Victorian Christmas Fayre?
It’s the atmosphere that sets it apart from your average Christmas market. Transporting you back 150 years, you’ll see how Christmas might have looked to our ancestors – all the sights, smells and sounds of a Victorian Christmas. With an array of entertainment – from funfair rides to immersive street performances – ready to entertain throughout the weekend.
Head down Gin Lane (between New Street and The Shambles) on Friday and Saturday evenings to meet an assortment of alley dwellers, pickpockets, flower sellers, urchins, and gin addicts, all singing and dancing. Or keep an eye out for the stilt-walking sleuths, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, investigating implausible and complex crimes around the streets of Worcester throughout Saturday.
You’ll also be able to join a pop-up dance performance, meet the infamous Scrooge and sing-a-long to a whole fayre’s worth of live music outside Worcester’s oldest pub, The Cardinal’s Hat. And what Victorian Fayre wouldn’t be complete without a carousel and fun fair? Step aboard the Galloper and spin around to the sound of a traditional barrel organ.
But what about the shopping? Over 200 stalls will sell everything from local arts and crafts like Christmas decorations or unique jewellery, to edible festive treats and international street food, like mulled wine and charcuterie. Many of the stallholders will dress up too!
Greyfriars House and Garden will also be extending its hours during the Victorian Fayre, where you can see the Grade I listed building’s garden illuminated like never before. To learn more about the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre head here.