A historic day on the Coronation Street cobbles.

The press launch yesterday marking the countdown to the 50th anniversary on December 9, complete with a very special Street Party.

I was among 235 guests who gathered in Studio 12 at ITV Granada in Manchester for the event.

Hosted in some style by Boyzone star Keith Duffy, who plays Rovers barman Ciaran McCarthy.

(Lots of audio / video further down this blog)

Before a party out on the cobbles and tours of the studio sets.