THE Victorian Christmas Fayre brought a touch of old world festive cheer to Worcester when it opened in style today (Thursday).

The subtle scent of mulled wine and the mouth-watering aroma of roasting meet drifted on the air outside the Guildhall.

Meanwhile traditional carols summoned a nostalgia for festive times past as the 23rd fayre, which opened at noon, drew big crowds into the city centre.

At around 5pm the Cathedral procession arrived at the Guildhall as the gathering crowds were treated to 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful' and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir.

The Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Roger Knight, and other dignitaries then joined the procession towards The Cornmarket where crowds were again captivated by a performance by the Salvation Army Band.

The mayor also availed himself of the opportunity to ride on the traditional carousel which has become such a feature of the fayre.

Many of the stallholders were dressed in extravagant or sometimes rather down-at-heel Victorian attire to represent ladies and gentleman and in some cases some rather unsavoury looking street urchins who would not have been out of place in the pages of a Dickens novel.

The crowds browsed the 200 stalls for gifts and there was a hint of carnival mischief in the air as stilt walkers in top hats formed part of the entertainment, billed as 'roguish street theatre'.

Cllr Roger Knight said: "This is one of the nicest events of the year. It is one of those events that brings out the best in Worcester.

"It's great. It starts off the Christmas activities and encourages the Christmas spirit and brings people into the city. It's good for Worcester and it's getting better every year.

"LSD Promotions have helped tremendously. Their organisational skills have been second to none."

The fayre was also an opportunity to showcase Worcester to a wider, world stage through the City of Worcester Twinning Association.

Worcester is twinned with the communities of Kleve - Germany, Le Vesinet- France and Worcester - USA.

In 2006 Worcester entered into a friendship agreement with Vernon, in France and has a twinning arrangement with Ukmerge, Lithuania.

Two women from Ukmerge - Neringa Adomaviciene and Daiva Malinauskiene - were dressed in traditional Lithuanian festive garb as they enjoyed the festivities.

Dermot McGillicuddy, a director at LSD promotions, said the fayre could draw in between 130,000 and 140,000 people over the four days with coaches rolling into the city all day.

This is the first year LSD Promotions has been responsible for organising the fayre.

Mr McGillicuddy said: "It has grown a bit this year. There is lots of entertainment. It is the first time we have had the big stage (by Debenham's in the High Street).

"We have increased the footprint of the fayre to include St Martin's Quarter and more of the High Street, Broad Street and Bank Street.

"There are more acts and there is more entertainment."