April is around the corner, and with it a new financial year that promises to bring lots of change to households across the UK.
Cost of living concerns have grown as conflict in the Middle East suddenly threatens to hit Britain’s economy. The situation has severely disrupted the global oil trade, bringing knock-on effects to the price of essentials like energy and food.
Economists say that the worst impacts can be avoided should the conflict end soon, but uncertainty remains as the exchange of fire continues.
In positive news for household finances, inflation saw a steep drop in January to 3 per cent, marking a 10 month low. Some analysts now predict the rate could hit the Bank of England’s target of 2 per cent by April, which was last seen briefly in 2024.
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The downward trend means prices are rising less quickly, but for many the cost of living still remains too high.
Meanwhile, 55 per cent of households living in poverty now contain at least one working person, according to the Resolution Foundation think tank, which revealed the scale of the issue.
The state pension is expected to rise by 4.8 per cent from next April in line with annual earnings growth (PA)
Against this difficult economic backdrop, households should claim all the support they are entitled to. There are now around 24 million people in the country claiming some combination of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administered benefits, which include those drawing a state pension, representing around one in three people.
Get a free fractional share worth up to £100. Capital at risk.
Yet research by Policy in Practice shows that £24bn worth of benefits goes unclaimed every year – you can use its helpful calculator to work out what you might be entitled to.
Are you struggling with the DWP or the cost of living? Share your story: albert.toth@independent.co.uk
Here is an overview of the financial support available to households this April and key dates for benefit and state pension recipients to look out for:
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Benefit payment dates in April
Benefit payments will go out as usual in April, except on two key dates. Anyone due a benefit payment on Friday 3 April (Good Friday) or Monday 6 April (Easter Monday), should instead receive this on Thursday 2 April.
The DWP is aiming to complete the migration of all “legacy benefits” to universal credit by the end of March 2026. Those receiving tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, and housing benefit should have received a notice about moving to universal credit already.
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Are you having issues with universal credit, PIP, or any other benefit? Get in touch via email: albert.toth@independent.co.uk
Pension payment dates in April
The basic state pension is paid straight into bank accounts, similar to how benefits are paid. It is usually paid every four weeks, with the exact day you receive it corresponding to the last two digits of your national insurance (NI) number.
Here’s when you should be paid based on those numbers:
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00 to 19: Monday
20 to 39: Tuesday
40 to 59: Wednesday
60 to 79: Thursday
80 to 99: Friday
The same bank holiday payment date changes that apply to most benefits will also apply to state pension payments.
When will benefit rates go up?
In April 2026, all universal credit claimants will receive an above-inflation income boost of around 6.2 per cent to the standard allowance. For a single person over 25, this will be a £6 per week increase, rising from £92 to £98.
For couples with one or both partners over 25, it will be an increase of £9 per week, rising from £145 to £154.
Most other benefits should be uprated by September’s inflation rate alone, increasing by 3.8 per cent. This includes PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, ESA and more.
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However, at the same time, the monthly payment rate for the health-related element of universal credit for new claimants will be cut from £105 to £50. The rate for existing claimants will also be frozen until 2029.
This is a reduction of more than £200 a month, cutting the additional rate by around half. This means it is advisable for anyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply as soon as they can.
The state pension will rise by 4.8 per cent from next April in line with annual earnings growth, the government has confirmed. This will bring the weekly amount to £241.05.
From April, councils will be able to administer Labour’s new ‘Crisis and Resilience Fund’, designed to support low-income households at times when affording the essentials becomes a struggle.
It will replace both the household support fund and discretionary housing payments.
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Crisis payment
The first part of the new scheme will be a ‘crisis payment’ to to support low-income households that have experienced a financial shock, or are at risk of entering crisis.
Like the Household Support Fund, councils will continue to have discretion over the exact eligibility criteria. However, the government’s guidance says it should not be limited just to those in receipt of benefits.
The DWP has asked that councils take a ‘cash-first’ approach to the crisis payment, meaning cash payments should be awarded unless there is a fair reason not to do so.
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Housing payment
A new ‘housing payment’ will also be introduced across the UK, aimed at providing financial support towards housing costs for those in need.
This will usually be related to rent, such as needing rent in advance, a rental deposit, or shortfall. It could also cover a lump sum associated with housing, like the cost of moving.
Unlike the crisis payment, the housing payment will be restricted to those in receipt of certain benefits. These are either housing benefit, or universal credit with the housing element for rental costs. However, DWP says those who do not qualify but are still in need could be considered for a crisis payment instead.
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Budgeting advance loans
The government offers a “budgeting advance loan” for people on universal credit who face an emergency lack of money. The loan has a maximum repayment period of two years.
These loans are interest-free and are automatically deducted from universal credit payments. You can borrow an ‘advance’ of up to:
£348 if you’re single
£464 if you’re part of a couple
£812 if you or your partner claims child benefit
Following Labour’s 2024 Budget, a new cap was introduced on the amount the DWP can deduct from benefit payments to repay loans and debts, including budgeting advance loans.
Beginning in April 2025, deductions from universal credit have been capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, down from 25 per cent.
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Charitable grants
If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for certain charitable grants. There is a wide range of grants available depending on your circumstances.
However, these grants will typically require you to meet specific criteria and will only be able to offer limited funds.
Charitable grants are available for people who are disabled or ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, students, and for many other reasons. The charity Turn2us has an online tool to search for grants which may be available to some.
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Some energy suppliers offer assistance to those who aren’t able to afford their bills, including Octopus and British Gas (PA)
Energy provider help
A number of energy suppliers offer help for those struggling with their energy bills. These include British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, OVO and Octopus. It is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible.
For those struggling with household costs, social tariffs are available for both broadband and water bills. This will mean a reduced rate for certain eligible households.
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For water, every company operating in the UK has a social tariff by law. However, the amount on offer can vary between regions and, because water providers can’t be chosen like energy providers, the support has been criticised as a “postcode lottery”.
For instance, some offer as much as 90 per cent off bills, while others cap support at a 20 per cent reduction.
To find out what support your water company offers, it is worth checking on its website or contacting the helpline. In all cases, households will need to be deemed to be on a low income and/or in receipt of certain benefits.
Similarly, many broadband providers offer social tariffs to those on certain benefits like universal credit or pension credit.
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Council tax reduction
If you meet certain criteria or are on certain benefits, you may be able to apply for a discount on your council tax of up to 100 per cent (this is sometimes called council tax support).
Your local council may still be able to offer you a discretionary reduction if you can demonstrate you are facing severe hardship and can’t afford to pay your council tax.
To apply for a council tax reduction, contact your local council via the government’s website.
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Up to 30 hours of free childcare
From 1 September 2025, all working parents in the UK became entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children up to the age of four. This concluded a gradual set of expansions that began in April 2024.
Parents must apply online and reconfirm their eligibility every three months, in time for each school term. Working parents can also apply for tax-free childcare, giving back 20p for every 80p you put towards childcare, up to a maximum of £500 a year.
Energy price cap: Is it going up?
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Ofgem’s energy price cap will drop to £1,641 for 1 April to 31 June 2026 – decreasing by around seven per cent, or £117. It will remain at £1,758 until 31 March.
The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy if you’re on a standard variable tariff. That includes most households. It is expressed as an annual bill for an average home.
Many experts – including Ofgem itself – are recommending households consider a fixed tariff energy deal, with many on the market offering lower than the price cap rate.
Ofgem will announce its cap for July to September by 27 May. This could be a steep increase of as much as 10 per cent, or £160, increase due to the situation in the Middle East, energy consultancy Cornwall Insight has warned.
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Will there be another cost of living payment in 2026?
The DWP has not announced any continuation of the cost of living payment scheme that ran between 2022 and 2024. The final payment should have been made to eligible households between 6 February and 22 February 2024.
Mental health support
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch
Mind runs a support line on 0300 102 1234 which provides a safe and confidential place to talk about how you’re feeling. There is also an information line on 0300 123 3393 for nearby support, and a welfare benefits line on 0300 222 5782 to support the mental health of those navigating the benefits system
Disability charity Scope has a forum where people can have supportive chats with others going through the same experiences
The NHS offers an online mental health triage service
“Theatre is a hybrid form, a mad-bastard form that begs, borrows and steals from everywhere — formally and narratively,” she says. “It’s porous and not remotely sacred. It’s why I feel so alive on stage — thrashing it all out with the other performers and, vitally, with the audience. We reach through and into audiences to find the meaning of it all. Theatre poses questions, playing expands reality, and by sharpening our feelings into ideas, offers pathways to insight — personal and collective, historic and immediate.”
Sale Sharks will have four Wales internationals next season, with three of them joining this summer
Wales international Christ Tshiunza will leave Exeter Chiefs at the end of the season after signing a one-year contract with Sale Sharks.
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The 24-year-old, who can play lock and blindside flanker, was of interest to Cardiff but has decided to remain in the Gallagher Prem with Sale for at least another season. Tshiunza only has only won 15 caps for Wales and his eligibility for the national side next season will depend on whether he was offered a competitive deal by a Welsh club.
That question could have to be answered by the Professional Rugby Board should Steve Tandy wish to select him, although the future of the 25-cap law is surrounded in doubt.
There will be a strong Welsh contingent at Sale next season with Wales props Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis also signing for the club, while tighthead WillGriff John is also on their books.
“When I spoke to Alex he was talking about how he really wanted to compete for the big trophies and that really excited me,” Tshiunza said.
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“He talked about the plans for the future of the club and it was something that I wanted to be a part of.
“I’ve played against Sale loads of times and as an opposition player you always know that it’s going to be a really tough, physical game that’ll be won by the pack.
“It’s always the most physical game of the season and that always excited me because love that side of the game.
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“Other teams have a real fear of playing Sale because of that physical challenge and I can’t wait to be on the other side of that.
“I’m also really looking forward to playing with the other Welsh lads who are joining – Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis – and some of the guys I know from Exeter.
“I’ve been at Exeter for a long time and I think it’ll be good for me to experience a new environment with new faces and new players to learn from.”
Tshiunza has not figured for Wales under Tandy and the last time he represented his country was against South Africa in November 2024.
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A series of injuries in recent times have held him back but he will be hoping to get his career back on track at Sale.
“Christ is really intelligent, powerful, supremely dynamic player, with a back story that tells you a lot about how much his career matters to him,” said Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson.
“When you understand where he’s come from to become and international rugby player, it strengthens the belief that his best days are ahead of him.
“He’s got so much ability and raw power and hopefully together we can put him back in a Wales shirt and help him fulfil his massive potential.”
Spider-Man 2’s leaked budget was shockingly high for a video game but now it’s apparently become the norm (Sony)
The average triple-A video game reportedly costs more than most movies to make, although this seems to be more of a Western problem.
Unlike movies, you almost never hear about the budgets for video games. They’re never confirmed officially and even leaks are rare, and usually due to a mistake on the part of the publisher.
Even so, it’s never been more obvious that games, especially the big triple-A ones from the likes of Sony and Activision, are more expensive to make than ever.
In fact, it’s estimated that high-end games now routinely cost more than $300 million to make, which is roughly £225 million.
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This comes from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, one of the industry’s most trusted sources of insider information, who shared the information in the wake of Epic Games’ mass layoffs and Sony’s closure of Dark Outlaw Games.
‘Exact budgets of video game productions can be tough to corroborate,’ wrote Schreier on Bluesky, ‘but the numbers I’ve heard floating around AAA game dev these days are $300 million or more — sometimes much more! — which I think helps explain the current state of the industry.’
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While some major blockbuster movies like James Cameron’s Avatar series are even more expensive to make, this means AAA games have higher budgets than most movies, including the entire Harry Potter franchise, DC’s most recent Superman movie, and the majority of Marvel’s cinematic output (when not adjusting for inflation).
Schreier adds that this applies to games primarily made in the US and Canada, and that these large budgets are ‘almost entirely’ spent on developer salaries.
When asked if such budgets are considered too low or too high, Schreier breaks down the maths and explains, ‘If you sell a game at $70 and pocket $49 on every sale… you’d need to sell more than six million copies just to break even on a $300 million budget, and that’s before marketing.’
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Exact budgets of video-game productions can be tough to corroborate (more transparency from publishers would be nice!) but the numbers I’ve heard floating around AAA game dev these days are $300 million or more — sometimes much more! — which I think helps explain the current state of the industry
As shocking as this sounds at first, it does make sense and not just when you consider inflation. Thanks to the Insomniac Games hack in 2023, it was discovered that Sony’s Spider-Man 2 game had a budget of $300 million.
This was a noticeable jump from the leaked budgets for two other first party PlayStation games – The Last Of Us Part 2 ($220 million) and Horizon Forbidden West ($212 million) – and considered surprising at the time, but now it seems to have become the norm in Western development.
What’s especially depressing is that these inflated budgets are wholly unnecessary even within the triple-A space. While no exact figure was given, the most recent Assassin’s Creed game – Assassin’s Creed Shadows – is said to have only cost somewhere over €100 million according to Ubisoft, which is about £86 million for one of the best looking games of last year.
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Japanese games are never that expensive either. There are no official figures, but the budget for Resident Evil Requiem – again, one of the best-looking titles of the year – is rumoured to be less than $100 million. Meanwhile, the famously frugal Nintendo is believed to have spent just north of $100 million on the two most recent Zelda games, which they apparently regard as an unusually high figure.
And of course, there’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a visually gorgeous game that was made for less than $10 million (per The New York Times), which comes out as just £7.5 million. Combined with the game being priced at £45 instead of £70, and selling over five million copies, it’s certainly made its money back.
Bigger American companies, however, seem unwilling to learn anything from Clair Obscur’s success and rather than reducing budgets their only answers to the problem seem to be laying off staff and thinking up more unpopular methods of squeezing extra money out of customers.
For example, earlier this month, it was reported that Sony was experimenting with dynamic pricing in the UK, where it would make games cheaper or more expensive depending on the customer.
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Now, it’s reported that the scheme has made its way to the US, with people seeing different prices for Astro Bot as part of the PlayStation Store’s spring sale.
The new Yoshi game will cost $59.99 digitally and $69.99 physically, which actually makes both versions cheaper than their UK counterparts (Nintendo)
The Netflix couples are set to reunite one last time, with the reunion trailer showing potential breakups between fan favourites
Kimberly Nhundu Under 35s Screen Time reporter
10:36, 26 Mar 2026
Netflix’s Age of Attraction is set to release an unexpected final episode in just a few days. The fresh reality show debuted on the streaming platform earlier this month, inviting 40 singles aged between 22 and 60 to a romantic retreat.
The contestants proceeded to date without ever knowing each other’s ages. The hidden number would only be disclosed once they decided to commit to one person. One of the largest age gaps was between Vanelle, 27, and Jorge, 60, whose relationship didn’t endure.
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Each couple went on to cohabit and meet each other’s loved ones, before ultimately deciding whether to stay together during a final commitment ceremony. We discovered which couples said ‘yes’ on Wednesday (March 25), and it has now been confirmed that they are returning for one final reunion.
Hosts Nick Viall and Natalie Joy will release the episode on their The Viall Files podcast next Wednesday, April 1st, reports the Mirror.
The reunion will be available to stream exclusively on the official Viall Files YouTube channel at 4pm PT/7pm ET, which translates to 11pm for UK-based viewers. A trailer for the episode has provided fans with a sneak peek at what’s to come.
Just seconds into the teaser, host Nick can be heard asking “Does anyone know where Pfeifer is?”. This could suggest that her relationship with Derrick, who is seen in the trailer, didn’t survive after the show.
Fan favourites Theresa and John also appear to be at odds, with John sharing a heart-wrenching revelation about their off-screen relationship. He disclosed: “I don’t deserve to date someone who texts me ‘I feel disgusting with you.’”
Meanwhile, the trailer confirms there is one engaged couple among the group – likely Vanessa and Logan who got engaged at the end of the series. Fans have expressed their anticipation for the reunion, with one remarking on social media: “Oh this is gonna be guyuuuud.”
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.
A second chimed in: “Messy messy messy, I’ll be there,” with a third posting: “Ooo I was wondering why it didn’t show an upcoming reunion and assumed we weren’t getting one so this is great lol.” However, others are not looking forward to watching their favourite couples argue.
“No way John and Theresa broke up they were literally my favourite couple on the show,” wrote one viewer. A second concurred: “You couldn’t give me a dayyyy to be excited for Theresa and John well d**n.”
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With another stating: “Bruh. Y’all couldn’t wait a few days and let us be happy about the commitments? Now idk who’s together or not anymore.”
Age of Attraction is streaming now on Netflix. The reunion will stream on The Viall Files’ YouTube channel from April 1st.
Andrew’s dramatic fall from grace could reach a striking new low thanks to protocol rules.
Michael D. Carroll and Georgia Burns Trainee Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer
10:30, 26 Mar 2026
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appears to be confronting yet another humiliating chapter in his public life, as he may be forced to bow down to his own daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have been allowed to retain their royal titles.
His military roles and honorary titles were among the first casualties of the royal fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Once his association with the convicted sex offender became impossible to justify, those titles were quickly stripped away.
From that moment on, scrutiny surrounding the 66-year-old has only intensified. King Charles relocated his disgraced brother from Royal Lodge to his private Sandringham estate, but that only signalled a further distancing from royal privilege.
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Arrested there on his birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office – allegations which Andrew strongly denies – has added yet another level of shame and controversy to the former prince. Now, royal writer Andrew Lownie has weighed in on the situation, outlining that the current arrangement regarding titles is likely to be a source of irritations for Andrew.
Writing in his Substack, The Lownie Report, Lownie said: “Andrew, of course, stands on ceremony, titles and all these things are very, very important to him, and the pecking order and people bowing and curtseying.”
He continued: “I think this is what is going to upset him now, his own daughters; he will have to bow to them.” According to Sky News, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36, have kept their princess titles despite their parents downfall, creating a protocol situation that royal experts say is without modern precedent.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman echoed that view during an appearance on the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential, agreeing that such a scenario is entirely likely – albeit with one important condition, the Mirror reports.
“He will have to bow to everybody – that’s assuming he’s in the room with the rest of the family,” Hardman said. When asked whether Andrew would handle that situation well, his response was blunt: “No, I don’t.”
However, behind the scenes a different picture is emerging. Crates labeled HRH were reportedly spotted being unloaded at Marsh Farm, the Sandringham property that King Charles has assigned to his brother.
Andrew is currently staying at Wood Farm nearby while renovation work at Marsh Farm is complete. Staff who will attend to the father-of-two at his new residence have also been given clear instructions on how to address Andrew.
Speaking to The Sun, a source stated: “He’s lost his HRH, prince and duke titles and so staff, who didn’t know how to correctly address him, have been instructed that he is still to be called ‘Sir’.”
“He will be given his own chef and valet at Marsh Farm which is a climbdown to the luxury he was previously afforded.”
Despite the reduced circumstances, the arrangement remains a comfortable one.
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The costs are being covered personally by the King, who has taken on the responsibility for his brother’s finances to ensure the disgraced former prince does not become reliant on an outside source for support.
The road remains closed this morning (Thursday, March 26)
Two people have been taken to hospital after a crash in Cambridge. Emergency services were called to Newmarket Road, Cambridge at around 12.20am today (Thursday, March 26).
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The crash involved a car and e-bike. The East of England Ambulance Service took two people to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further treatment.
An ambulance spokesperson said: “We were called just before 12.20am this morning with reports of a road traffic collision on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, involving a car and an e-bike.
“Two ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle and a response car from East Anglian Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. Two patients were transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further care.”
Cambridgeshire Police remain at the scene this morning, as Newmarket Road remains closed. Officers have warned people to avoid the area.
Bolton-based Boot Out Breast Cancer staged their annual glittering ball themed on the Shakespearian tale to make for an unforgettable evening of glamour, generosity and entertainment at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, which was transformed into a dreamlike woodland where music, performers and beautifully dressed guests brought the theme to life.
The evening’s programme featured entertainment, speeches, auctions and live performances that captivated the room throughout the night.
Boot out Breast Cancer ball 2026. Pictures by Linda Mulvey Photography and Select Digital Media (SDM).
Aventive Group delivered one of the evening’s most spectacular visual experiences.
Through dramatic lighting and stunning screen displays they transformed the ballroom, transporting guests deep into the enchanted world of the event and perfectly setting the scene for the night’s performances and celebrations.
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The evening was expertly compered by Hugh Ferris, who guided guests through the programme with warmth, humour and energy, helping create an atmosphere that was described as both celebratory and inspiring.
Boot out Breast Cancer ball 2026. Pictures by Linda Mulvey Photography and Select Digital Media (SDM).
The night’s main sponsor was Ian Wilkinson of DJH Perspective Wealth Management, whose generous support was said to have helped make the event possible.
Ian also took to the stage during the evening to deliver a speech that was both informative and full of humour, warmly engaging the audience while highlighting the importance of the charity’s work.
Guests also heard directly from the hospitals that will benefit from the funds raised.
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Leeds Teaching Hospitals and the Macclesfield NHS Breast Unit shared moving video messages explaining how the vital equipment funded by the evening will support earlier detection and improved patient care. The audience was touched by a heartfelt message of support from Dame Sarah Storey, the charity’s Founder Patron, who spoke passionately about the importance of the charity’s work and the difference the fundraising will make to patients and their families.
Entertainment throughout the night was delivered by Carmina Entertainment, whose extraordinary performances blended extravagant costumes, dance, singing and breathtaking acrobatics. Their theatrical sets brought the enchanted theme to life and left the audience mesmerised and cheering for more.
Actress, singer and vocal coach Liz Long delivered a dramatic monologue followed by a beautiful singing performance.
Liz has recently been through her own cervical cancer journey.
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Guests were also treated to an exceptional three-course dining experience complemented by delicious wines, specifically paired by Milestone Wines.
The ballroom sparkled as guests embraced the theme in stunning gowns and formal attire, creating a truly magical setting for the charity’s flagship event.
A special artistic moment came from Ben Mosley, the Official Artist to Team GB, who generously donated an original painting to be auctioned during the evening.
Although he was unable to attend in person due to family commitments, he created a speed-paint video showing the artwork being brought to life, which was shown to guests during the live auction. The striking gold-leaf piece captured the spirit of the evening and helped raise further funds for the charity.
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Guests also had the opportunity to take part in a raffle featuring two exceptional prizes generously donated by supporters of the charity. Shelley Raja from Scan Computers donated a MacBook Air, while Sue Hart from Slack and Andrews provided a stunning diamond pendant valued at £6,000, helping to raise an incredible £8,000 through the raffle alone.
The night concluded with the announcement that £116,062 had been raised through generous donations, auctions and fundraising activities. Funds raised from the evening will go directly towards vital breast screening equipment for Macclesfield NHS Breast Unit and Leeds Teaching Hospitals, helping to support earlier detection and improved care for patients.
Funds raised from the evening will go directly towards vital diagnostic breast screening equipment, including £100,000 worth of equipment for Leeds Teaching Hospitals and £150,000 for New Alderley House at Macclesfield NHS Breast Unit, helping to support earlier detection and improved care for patients.
Debbie Dowie, Founder and Volunteer Chair of BOBC, said: “The Midsummer Night’s Dream ball was truly magical. I was completely blown away by the generosity in the room and by the incredible support from our guests, sponsors and volunteers. Every pound raised will help us continue our vital work supporting breast screening services. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who made the evening so special.”
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Next on the charity’s calendar is the Enchanted Ladies Lunch, taking place at Rivington Barn on 30 April, which promises another wonderful afternoon of fundraising, community and celebration.
For more information about BOBC events and fundraising initiatives visit https://bootoutbreastcancer.org.uk.
Barcelona are yet to confirm whether they will sign Marcus Rashford permanently (Picture: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford’s future is still up in the air but he has no shortage of suitors, with interest in the England forward from the Premier League and abroad.
Rashford has made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals, in what could be a superb season for Barca as they sit top of La Liga and are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they meet Atletico Madrid.
The forward is in the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan and looks set to be in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for this summer’s World Cup.
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However, he has not been a regular starter for his club in recent times, with four of his last five appearances coming off the bench.
He has not scored for Barcelona since January, with his last goal coming in a win at Elche nearly two months ago.
Rashford is reportedly keen to stay at Barcelona and the club has the opportunity to make his move permanent for just €30 million (£25.9m), which seems very reasonable.
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Rashford could finish this season with some huge trophies (Picture: Getty Images)
However, rumours abound about the Catalans looking to negotiate a lower price with Manchester United or defer the payment by securing another season on loan for Rashford.
ESPN report that the Red Devils are unfazed by this possibility because, rather than Barcelona looking to drive down the price, they could get more money for Rashford elsewhere.
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His form in Spain has been good enough that other clubs are interested in beating Barcelona to a permanent deal for the England star.
Rashford has re-established his place in the England squad under Thomas Tuchel (Picture: Getty Images)
The ESPN report states that ‘a number of clubs in England and Europe’ have inquired about Rashford’s availability.
Barcelona still have the situation in their hands, but if they do not pay the agreed price, there will be options for Rashford, and Manchester United, elsewhere.
There remains the possibility that he could return to Old Trafford, given Amorim has now departed and Michael Carrick is in interim charge.
Michael Carrick is a candidate to be permanent Man Utd manager (Picture: Getty Images)
Carrick was a coach at Manchester United under previous regimes and worked with Rashford, but whether he will still be in charge next season is yet to become clear.
The former England midfielder has done an excellent job so far during his interim stint in charge, with the Red Devils climbing to third in the Premier League table and looking very likely to return to Champions League action next season.
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The identity of the next permanent manager at Old Trafford could have an impact on Rashford’s future, if Barcelona do not make his move permanent.
UK tourists have been warned to expect “chaos” at a popular airport as it’s experiencing what’s been described as the “world’s longest queues”. Travellers have been told to be vigilant
09:40, 26 Mar 2026Updated 09:41, 26 Mar 2026
Lots of people are starting to think about jetting off on holiday at the moment, but tourists have been warned about alleged hellish queues at a popular airport. As much as we all want our travel experiences to be as easy and stress-free as possible, sometimes this just isn’t always the case.
For anyone heading to Spain soon, there’s some information you need to know due to alleged queues at a popular airport. Scenes at the venue have been described as “chaotic” with the amount of people waiting in line to be seen leaving people in complete shock and confusion.
A TikTok user, known as Homer, wrote: “Tenerife Airport right now is absolute CHAOS. This might genuinely be the world’s biggest queue, and it just keeps growing.
“Flights looming. Tempers rising. All because of the new security procedures, and no one was ready for it. People have been waiting for HOURS.
“If you’re flying from Tenerife anytime soon, get there EARLY. Like, really early.”
The video has been viewed hundreds of times since it was shared. Several people were quick to comment too.
One said: “I absolutely love Tenerife, but this is depressing.” Another added: “That would be enough for me. I would never go back, and I’ve been six times.”
A third replied: “It’s absolutely ridiculous.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “That is hell.”
However, some admitted they’ve travelled through the airport without experiencing any issues. It seems people have had mixed experiences.
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Another wrote: “Here now, and got through in 10 mins max. No issues.” Someone else replied: “We left yesterday with no problem. Got through in 10 minutes.”
One more also said: “Here now. No queue whatsoever.” It seems not everyone was hit by the lengthy queue times.
It’s reported the queues were linked to new travel rules that have come into place. From October 2025, the EU implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU citizens (including UK citizens) to provide fingerprint scans and facial images upon entering the Schengen Area.
This digital process replaces passport stamping, aiming for full implementation this year. It’s claimed the process could cause initial airport delays, so it’s best to be prepared.
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Tenerife Airport was contacted to respond to the size of the queues witnessed by some travellers. It noted the airport has provided the necessary infrastructure, but the authority over the management of the border control depends on the Ministry of the Interior.
Andrew Garnett, who was 52, died in the crash on the A1035 near Tickton on Tuesday.
His family said: “Andrew was the kindest, most gentle and loving son, dad, brother, uncle and fiancé anyone could ever wish for.
“Adored and cherished by everyone who knew him, a huge void has forever been left in our hearts.”
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Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances around the collision.
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At approximately 6.50am, it was reported that a silver Nissan Micra was travelling westbound along the A1035 when it is believed to have been involved in a collision with a blue DAF heavy goods vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The HGV is then believed to have collided with a grey BMW 330e and a grey Volkswagen Polo.
Emergency services attended, and the driver of the BMW, a 52-year-old man, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
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The drivers of the Nissan, the DAF HGV, and the Volkswagen Polo were taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.
Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision.
Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information, including dashcam footage, to please contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting log 58 of 24 March.
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