This information is for local residents and businesses to update you on plans for the 2024 Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. We appreciate your patience during the build-up and staging of the event, and are pleased to provide information on the local traffic and access arrangements that will be in place. We also hope that you will join us at the Fayre and enjoy the event!
The Fayre will open on Thursday 28 November at Midday. Stalls are selected and managed by a market operator, including the popular ‘local quarter’ in Friar Street, where all of the products on sale will have been made within 30 miles of the city.
The Fayre area
The Fayre will be located in New Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, High Street, the Cornmarket and Cathedral Square. The Fayre team will also be working closely with our local market in Angel Place and Crowngate Shopping Centre.
Trading outside your premises
As in previous years, we would encourage businesses across the city to get involved with the Fayre as much as possible. Temporary structures may be permitted in certain locations, however, it is essential that you contact the Fayre team on christmas@worcester.gov.uk in the first instance, giving full details of your proposals. This will ensure that any proposed temporary structures will not conflict with the Fayre’s layout or cause any health and safety issues.
Any goods for sale outside your premises need to be the same as the goods for sale inside your premises (though, as always, please be confident that you trade within your agreed licenses and have the necessary insurance and documentation). Worcestershire Regulatory Services has provided information on licensing guidance. The last day for submitting a TEN application for alcohol sales in 2024 is Wednesday 13 November 2024.
Entertainment
A full programme of entertainment has been planned for the weekend, with a number of traditional Victorian entertainers lined up to amuse the crowd and plenty of Christmas music as carol singers fill the streets. Leaflets will be distributed in the weeks before the event, please take a copy to see details and timings of entertainment.
Entertainment stages will be located in Cathedral Square, Bell Square and outside the Cardinals Hat. Roaming performers will entertain audiences across the city centre throughout the weekend.
Access during the event
Please be aware that Cornmarket Car Park will be closed from the afternoon of Wednesday 27 November until the morning of Monday 2 December. Signage will be in place, but businesses are advised to make customers aware of this where possible.
Businesses and residents who normally have access to private off-road parking spaces which are inaccessible during the event may be eligible for a FREE parking permit at St Martin’s Gate car park to cover the period of the event. For more information, please email christmas@worcester.gov.uk
Road Closures
The Victorian Christmas Fayre takes place in Worcester city centre and access to this area will be restricted through the opening hours of the event and during stallholder set up and breakdown.
Full details will be available on the City Council website nearer the time of the Fayre.
Dedicated stewards will work with West Mercia Police to try and help anyone with legitimate access needs in the areas covered by road closures.
We recommend that deliveries are re-scheduled to times outside of the Fayre weekend in order to avoid inconvenience. Vehicles will not be allowed access once the road closures are in place so deliveries during this time will need to be brought in by foot.
Thank you from us
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre benefits the whole county of Worcestershire in a variety of ways and contributes an additional boost to the economy of more than £7.3 million a year. However, we are aware that not everyone enjoys or gets a direct benefit from the event and we could not run this event without the support and understanding of locals who we know can be inconvenienced.
Your needs are considered at every stage of the planning for the event but we understand there will necessarily be an impact on a number of people affected by the road closures and additional visitors to the city. The entire event team will work to keep any disruptions to a minimum and appreciate your support at this time.