One legendary cobbled street synonymous with Manchester will become the home for a new set of Weatherfield residents later in the year.
North West businesses will have the chance this autumn to sleep out on the world-famous TV set in aid of youth homelessness charity Action for Children.
The news comes just days after millions tuned in to watch the funeral of Deirdre Barlow, following the death of actress Anne Kirkbride in January.
Byte Night North West will return for its third year on October 2, with 250 people set to bed down on the Quay Street set to raise funds for the charity’s work in the local area.
Exposed to the elements for one night, employees taking part in the event will join businesses big and small from across the region including RBS, IBM, TalkTalk and Symantec.
With Coronation Street The Tour set to come to an end in December, the event will be a rare chance – and probably the last chance – to get some kip at the 30-year-old set before it closes to the public forever.
In late December 2013, the final scenes were filmed at the Quay Street location before production moved to their new address at Trafford Wharf.
Money raised from Byte Night – the UK’s largest sponsored sleep out – will help to ensure vulnerable young Mancunians and North West children have a safe place to call home.
Laurena Di Bello, fundraising manager at Action for Children said: “We’re delighted to be offering North West businesses the opportunity to sleep out on the nation’s best-loved street.
“Coronation Street is an institution, and the soap’s twists and turns have kept the nation on the edge of its seats for decades so we’ll be excited to breathe in some of the history on the night before the original set closes to the public.
“We need companies big and small across the North West to sleep out, making Byte Night a unique networking opportunity as well as a chance to support some of the most vulnerable young people in society.
“One night really does make a lifetime’s difference.”
Damian Pettit, head of payment operations at RBS and co-chair of the Byte Night North West committee added: “Every year, Byte Night gets better and better.
“Sleeping out on the cobbles will make sure Byte Night 2015 is the best one yet. Although it’s a hard night it’s also fun, but the difference is we can return to warm homes, full fridges, and cosy beds in the morning.
“For many children and young people living in UK this simply isn’t the case.”
Last year, the event saw more than 1,300 people sleep out for charity and raised over £1.1 million for youth homelessness prevention.
Organisers warned that places are limited, and urged interested businesses to get in touch by email or through their website.
Image courtesy of whistlepunch, with thanks
