Coronation Street has revealed that its famous ‘Stars Tours’ are returning this summer, and it means you can meet cast members on the legendary cobbles.
In case you missed it, the ever-popular Coronation Street: The Tourreturned back in March after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s been giving fans of the iconic Manchester-based soap – which has recently celebrated 60 years on air – the chance to discover the hidden world that lies behind the camera at the external sets at MediaCityUK in Salford once again.
The much-loved 90-minute tours let you follow in the footsteps of all your favourite characters, and give you the chance to walk around the famous sets of the Rovers Return, Roys Rolls, Underworld, The Kabin, and so much more.
Tour guides are known for sharing all the secrets of the show while they take you around locations of iconic moments from the soap, and there’s also plenty of opportunities to get that all-important Corrie selfie too.
But how would you like to take your tour up a notch?
Coronation Street has revealed that its famous ‘Stars Tours’ are returning this summer / Credit: Coronation Street: The Tour
Just as the name suggests, the Stars Tours not only include the standard 90-minute guided tour of the external Coronation Street set, but they also give you the opportunity to meet the a surprise cast member from the show, which will undoubtedly make the whole experience an extra-special moment for any fan.
While bosses of the official guided tours are keeping names of the mystery cast members who are set to make appearances close to their chest, they have assured fans that they’ll pop out to say hello, and pose for pictures.
They’ll even let you in on a few filming secrets or a story during the special events too.
Speaking ahead of the return of the Stars Tours, Steve Masters – General Manager at Coronation Street: The Tour – said: “Taking a tour of Coronation Street is a real treat for many fans and we often hear guests talking about their favourite characters and storylines, but now, with the launch of Star Tours, guests have the chance to meet someone from the show.
“We can’t wait to see their faces.”
Coronation Street: The Tour gives you the chance to see the hidden world that lies behind the camera / Credit: Twitter (@CorrieTour2020)
Star Tours return on Saturday 16 July, with limited tickets available to book at 1:45pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:15pm, 3:45pm, 4:15pm, and 4:45pm, before the next events on Saturday 20 August and Saturday 3 September.
Tickets will set you back £40, and you can grab yours here.
A big Taylor Swift listening party is coming to Manchester to celebrate her new album
Thomas Melia
An iconic Manchester music venue is hosting a Taylor Swift listening party to celebrate the release of her upcoming album this autumn.
The devil may work hard, but Ms. Swift sure works harder – as less than 500 days since the release of her eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor has announced her twelfth LP titled The Life of a Showgirl, meaning the pop titan is back in full force with an era full of glitter, glitz, and showbiz glamour.
To celebrate, Manchester’s historic Deaf Institute is hosting a night dedicated to the newest era, and you’ll certainly be able to make ‘make the whole place shimmer’ as you walk into this Grade ll-listed building this October.
Get ready to hear everything from Taylor Swift’s stacked discography – including her humble beginnings like ‘Tim McGraw’, all the way through to her claiming the title as the ultimate ‘Anti-Hero’.
The DJs on the night will be spinning every single new track from Swift’s twelfth studio album too, all while mixing in some of her other standout songs.
Anyone keen to attend this Taylor Swift ‘Wonderland’ must be over 18 years old, and have their ID with them on the night, as unfortunately, there’s no ‘invisible string’ you can use to sneak yourself into this venue.
And if you’re turning 22 -or celebrating any other birthday – between 4 and 18 October, then you can score yourself free entry into this live music venue too, isn’t that ‘Gorgeous’?
Festa Italiana returns to Manchester city centre for three days of feasting this bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Festa Italiana is set to return to Manchester city centre this bank holiday weekend with its ‘biggest and best’ offering to date.
Are you ready for three days of Italian feasting?
Festa Italiana, which is now in its eighth year in Manchester, has gone of to become one of the biggest – and the most successful – Italian festivals in the UK, and features dozens food and drink stalls, live entertainment, and a whole host of celebrity chefs.
Founded by Maurizio Cecco – who is also behind Manchester’s legendary collection Italian restaurants, Salvi’s, the family-friendly festival will be free for all to attend.
Taking place this year, as it does every year, over the August bank holiday weekend and turning Cathedral Gardens into an Italian paradise while the sun beams down, anyone heading to Festa Italiana can expect a three-day foodie feast featuring freshly-made pizza, pasta, cannoli, and loads of other Italian delights.
Festa Italiana returns to Manchester city centre for three days of feasting this bank holiday weekend / Credit: Festa Italiana (via Facebook)
Festivalgoers can also expect to take part in pasta-making workshops, sip a tipple from an Aperitivo bar or the Limoncello Garden, and try endless free samples.
There’ll also be the Piccolo Mercato Italiano mini market, featuring a range of independent and artisanal producers showcasing the very best of Italy’s food, drink, and crafts.
To top it all off, plenty of well-known chefs will also be making special appearances during the festival, including Great British Bake Off star Giuseppe Dell’Anno, chef Francesco Mattana, Carmela’s Kitchen author and tutor Carmela Hayes, and of course, founder Maurizio Cecco himself.
“Festa Italiana is so much more than just a food festival,” Maurizio explained. “It’s a celebration of everything I love about my culture – the passion, the hospitality, the flavour, the music, the chaos.
“Every year it gets bigger, louder, and more exciting and 2025 is going to be the best one yet.
“We’ve got amazing chefs, incredible vendors, fantastic music and some brilliant new surprises. I can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our piazza in the heart of Manchester.”
Emily Sergeant -
4th July 2022 
