Thirty Coronation Street fans headed to Weatherfield on 8 June for the Hays Travel Summer Street Party on the cobbles, after winning a passport to the exclusive event in a prize draw.
The fifteen prize-winners and guests met for cocktails and canapes at The Alchemist on Salford Quays, before heading to the nearby ITV studios, where they were welcomed for a briefing and drinks by the Coronation Street team on set in the Viaduct Bistro.
The lucky winners enjoyed a rare ‘behind the scenes’ set tour, met some of the Coronation Street cast inside Speed Daal, then headed out into the sunlit cobbles to be entertained by a live band and indulge in colourful cocktails and a ‘street food’ summer BBQ.
A Corrie Quiz tested the knowledge of those assembled, with worthy winner and super-fan, Joleen Murray, taking home a prize. Then it was time for final photographs to capture an unforgettable day, before heading home, arms overflowing with flower bouquets and packed goody bags.
A Hays Travel team – including Jenny Brooks and Toni Smith, Hays Travel Sales Managers, Anthony Privilege, Honorary Branch Manager, Hays Travel Weatherfield; Sukie Rapal, Head of eCommerce Marketing; and Dionne Evans, Marketing Manager – were on hand to meet guests and ensure they thoroughly enjoyed the day. Judging by the comments received from guests on Hays Travel’s social media account below – they succeeded.
Jenny Brooks said: “What a day we had! It was amazing to meet all of the prize winners for a memorable day on the Coronation Street set, and of course to see our Hays Travel Weatherfield branch on the cobbles. I think we were all as excited as each other and soaked up the sunny atmosphere.”
Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent and was voted the nation’s favourite at the British Travel Awards 2023. On 6 May 2023, timed to coincide with HM The King’s Coronation, Hays Travel announced that it had entered into a product placement partnership with ITV. Work to install the new Hays Travel branch began in summer 2023 and eagle-eyed Coronation Street viewers caught their first glimpse of the Weatherfield storefront on Monday 5 December 2023.
Comments from attendees
“What a day that was! So surreal, all lovely people and we were treated like royalty. Thank you so much for this once in a lifetime opportunity!” Susan Cater
“A huge thank you to everyone that made this day so very special. We had such a great time on the cobbles, and the behind-the-scenes tour was just amazing. Looking back on all the photo’s it will certainly be a day to remember.” Cynthia Brown
“Amazing day, thank you Hays Travel.” Joleen Murray
“We made the best memories and something to cherish forever, all the staff made us feel so welcome, thank you so much for an absolutely incredible day!” Jessica Hawkesford
“Fabulous day, incredible experience! We were made to feel so very welcome and looked after so well by Hays Travel! Coronation Street staff were also amazing from the tour guide, catering staff, photographer, and even the security guy! Just brilliant, thank you!” Helen Millar
“We had the best day – thank you!” Paul Currie
“Thank you, you really spoiled us and looked after us! Very surreal experience, eating [and] looking up [at] Coronation Street! We were very privileged.” Natalie Ann
“Thank you so, so much to everyone involved for the most incredible day!” Ellen Troop