It was a fittingly chilly morning as I
disembarked in Manchester
Airport
When I arrived, I was whisked
into the Green Room from which tour guide Dom brought me on a whistle stop tour
of the internal sets. As I had visited in April, there was no need for me to experience the full tour again, so Dom pointed out the things that had changed for
Christmas. In the costume department were Gary and Chesney's festive tree-selling outfits
and a number of wedding dresses, Tracy's being the most recent. We then watched a video montage which has also been given a festive makeover, showing a number of scenes of Christmasses past. The sight of Roy and Hayley gave me an instant lump in my throat at the memory of what was unfolding this time last year.
Each of the
sets have also been decorated so we can encounter the Platt’s the Dobbs-Browne’s, the
Rovers Return, Underworld, and even Martha’s Barge as they would look at
Christmas. Already appearing smaller than you might expect on first encounter,
they looked extra cosy decked with tinsel, trees and baubles. With preparations
underway for its unveiling to the public the next day, set designers busied
themselves by making lists and checking them twice, while others chatted about
plans and preparations. While it doesn't form part of the tour, I was lucky enough to be allowed to take five in the place of many's a dramatic Christmas, the Platts.
Once through the internal part, I was brought
behind the doors of the bistro which opened out on to the Street, and what a
sight awaited me. Snowy rooftops, Christmas lights and decorations, and a choir
of children singing carols filled the senses, as well as a lovely surprise which
I’d rather not spoil for those planning to attend, but which made it all the more magical. Everybody remarked that it felt a little colder, probably than it really was, and
we all pulled our coats a little tighter.
Tour guide Matt took over at this point, and
explained that in addition to the indoor tour being tailored with Christmas
stories, there will be a seasonal tour of the outdoor set at no additional cost
which starts at Roy
As for the snow, which I'm told withstands rain, it's remarkably realistic, both in the way it looks and compacts underfoot, and it can even be made into snowballs which I couldn't resist successfully putting to the test. It was still being applied to Victoria Court as we wandered about, so we got to see the work in action. I urged readers back in April not to forget the ginnel, and the same applies this time round.
While it unfortunately wasn’t up and running in
time for my visit, I’m assured the scent of Christmas will be in the air for
arriving visitors with Christmas berries, cinnamon, chocolate orange and
Christmas trees giving a “multi-sensory experience” at various points along the
tour.
In addition to 977 glittering baubles, 800
tonnes of snow, over 10,000 fairy lights and 385 hours of Christmas music, I’m
told that over 50,000 mince pies will be served to visitors, and the post box
will be open for the first time to send your letter to Santa.
Aside from the many festive trimmings, I noticed
one great addition to the tour since April, and that is a list of names of
former occupants and their years of residence in the windows of each of the
houses on the Street. The shop contained within the Medical Centre has also
been expanded with a wider range of products on sale, including our own Glenda’s
book A Perfect Duet. This is also
where you can purchase the picture taken of you in the Rovers Return, and the
festive cardboard holder is a beautiful detail.
Christmas on the Cobbles runs from 22 November
to 11 January with twilight tours on Fridays and Saturdays until 7pm, and tickets are available here. If you visit between 13 and 24 December, the twelve days of Christmas, your trip will be made even more atmospheric as you will be serenaded by choirs, brass bands and
singing groups. A trip to Coronation Street The Tour is a magical experience in itself, and the Christmas theme makes it even more so. Even if you've been before, it is tailored to the extent that you are assured a different experience throughout. I topped off my day with a trip to Manchester Christmas Markets, and I'm now fizzing with festive cheer. Whilst it's still only November, Merry Christmas to you all!
By Emma Hynes
Twitter: @ELHynes
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