Stars flock to FriendsFest at Heaton Park – and pose up a storm

It’s a chance to live the Friends dream on replica sets from the hit American TV show – and a host of Manchester stars weren’t going to miss their moment to pose up a storm at FriendsFest.

The festival celebrating all the exploits of show favourites Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross is back in Heaton Park for a sold-out three-week run.

But on Tuesday night a host of VIPs, famous faces and influencers were let loose on the sets for a special gala evening at the festival site.

Coronation Street stars including Faye Brookes, Alexandra Mardell and former co-stars Victoria Ekanoye and Bhavna Limbachia were relishing the chance to explore all the sets – which include full replicas of Joey and Chandler’s apartment, Monica’s pristine loft, and Ross’s front room.

Click or swipe below for a full gallery of images from the VIP launch at FriendsFest:-

And they couldn’t resist a trip through the dress up section at the festival – recreating the flashback scenes in Rachel’s wedding dress and Monica’s rather hideous blue bridesmaid ensemble.

There’s also course the chance to have a coffee in a Central Perk cafe replica – and even strum a guitar on stage and belt out Smelly Cat like Phoebe.

Real Housewives of Cheshire couple Dr Martin Kinsella and Hanna Miraftab were spotted enjoying the replica sets on a break from filming the upcoming tenth series of their hit ITVBe show.

Meanwhile former Love Island stars Rosie Williams and Hayley Hughes were happy to see quirky props for the show, including Joey and Chandler’s reclining chairs and, of course, the beloved Hugsy penguin.

Ticket holders heading to the event which is on until August 17th in Manchester also get to replicate the opening credits of the hit comedy series, posing up to spin umbrellas.

This year the festival celebrates the 25th anniversary of Friends starting. The event will also feature a limited edition digital photo experience for fans, offering the chance to take away your very own souvenir 25th anniversary memory.

There is also a whole host of activities including new Friends themed food stalls, a brand new cocktail bar, a Friends quiz and the chance to recreate the cardboard box Porsche scene which fans can take part in live on stage.

Fans will also be able to kick back and relax in the Heaton Park sunshine – fingers crossed – in Heaton Park while watching some of the best moments from the hit TV show, which remains hugely popular with over six million viewers tuning in to watch it on Comedy Central each month.