So, someone had the barking idea of unleashing dogs onto the cobbles of Coronation Street, and as a fan of the world’s longest-running soap, I had to take the humans along.
There were howls of angst and antagonistic stares before we were allowed to pass the hallowed portals of the Coronation Street Experience at Media City. Never has there been an atmosphere so riven with tension on the Street since Ken Barlow bashed Mike Baldwin in the Rovers Return (fortunately, no dogs called Rover or indeed anything else were harmed as they strained to get onto the set). Here I was outside the soap Mecca that is the Coronation Street Experience, and not just for any tour, but Weatherfield Walkies, one aimed at four-legged friends and their superfan owners.
Granada TV may have shrunk episodes from 60 minutes to half an hour, but they’ve expanded their offer after repeated requests from fans to include a pooch-friendly day, which, judging from the success of the first, could be in line for repeats.
Outside the Trafford Wharf attraction, emotions were running high as owners and their pets waited outside for their turn on the cobbles. Some dogs barked excitedly, and I couldn’t help joining in with them, but on the whole, me and my canine buddies proved far better behaved than any of the characters in the northern soap opera, who’d experienced a spectrum of horrors ranging from prison and poisoning to divorce and disaster.
Amazing, isn’t it? I overheard one dog owner say, as we finally entered the street familiar to viewers all over the world.
And it was. As soon as we found ourselves on set, surrounded by such iconic buildings as The Rover’s Return and Roy’s Rolls, we calmed down and enjoyed all the fuss. Photographers were on hand outside every iconic home and business to capture our delight at being somewhere new, and there were lots of staff on hand to make sure we got VIP (Very Important Pooch) treatment. The humans learned that the day had, in fact, attracted 200 dogs and 400 guests, all keen to get up close and personal with famous locations like Dev Alahan’s mini market, the Prima Doner kebab shop, the Viaduct Bistro and more.
For those who wanted a souvenir of their jaunt, there was the chance to buy dog bowls, Weatherfield Woofs treat jars and dog treats as well as professionally taken pictures. And then it was all over.
I don’t think anybody went home without feeling filled with joy. Will they do it again? Watch this space…
Tell your humans…
DogFest is back at Tatton from June 20 to 21 with a fresh ‘In the Countryside’ theme – hosted by doggie lover, Matt Baker MBE.
There’ll be lots of open spaces to roam in the gorgeous grounds of Tatton Park with a collection of carefully curated have-a-go activities to give pooches and guests the freedom to create a day just for them. Whether you love following new scents, splashing in water, or stretching your legs in scenic surroundings, there are plenty of ways to join in.
For more information about DogFest, visit: www.dogfest.co.uk/countryside
www.coronationstreetexperience.co.uk
By Janet Reeder | Images Paul Morgans
