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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

The 28-year-old is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United this season, having fallen out of favour at Old Trafford under former manager Ruben Amorim.

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.

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.

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.

His form in Spain has been good enough that other clubs are interested in beating Barcelona to a permanent deal for the England star.

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.

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.

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.

MORE: Liverpool in talks for £52m Tottenham defender as Chelsea join transfer race

MORE: ‘I see my future here’ – £65million Arsenal star sends clear message to Mikel Arteta

MORE: Jamie Carragher urges Mikel Arteta to replace £64m star and reveals Arsenal ‘worry’

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

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.

Videos have gone viral showing the scenes at Tenerife South Airport in recent weeks, with the experience being deemed chaotic. It comes as it was confirmed a simple passport mistake could lead to you being stuck in lengthy queues too.

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.”

Advertisement

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.

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.

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.”

Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances around the collision.

RECOMMENDED READING:

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.

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.

The DWP has confirmed early payment dates for benefits including Universal Credit and State Pension ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend in April 2026

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the early date when certain claimants will receive payments ahead of the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend. With Easter Sunday falling on April 5 this year, any payments due on Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 will instead be brought forward to Thursday, April 2.

The DWP has additionally confirmed Jobcentre Plus offices and telephone services will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, resuming normal operations on Tuesday,April 7. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed the same with payments scheduled for Good Friday or Easter Monday being issued on the Thursday.

It’s important to remember that if your next payment isn’t due on either of the Easter bank holiday dates, it will be paid as normal.

Below is a full list of all DWP and HMRC payments that could be affected by the Easter bank holiday weekend. If your benefit or payment doesn’t appear on the list, it won’t be impacted by the Easter bank holiday weekend, reports MyLondon.

DWP payment date changes over Easter bank holiday

Payments scheduled for Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 for the benefits listed below will all be made early on Thursday, April 2.

Payments brought forward:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State Pension
• Universal Credit

HMRC payment date changes over Easter bank holiday

Payments scheduled for Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 for the benefits listed below will also be made early on Thursday, April 2.

Payments brought forward:

• Child Benefit
• Guardian’s Allowance

The footballer has been convicted of speeding after a camera caught him in an Audi RS3

Former Manchester United footballer Alejandro Garnacho was caught speeding away from the training ground just days before he left the club.

The 21-year-old winger, who moved to Chelsea for £40 million, was caught driving an Audi RS3 at 50mph in a 40mph zone as he left United’s training ground in Carrington. A speed camera was triggered amid the incident on August 26, just four days before he left the club.

Garnacho has since admitted, through his lawyers, to speeding. At Liverpool Magistrates’ Court he issued an apology and confessed he was ’embarrassed’ by it, the Mirror reports.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

He was handed a £660 fine, with an order to pay £120 in costs and a £264 victim surcharge. Magistrate Jane Haynes also handed down three points on his licence.

His lawyers at JMW Solicitors said: “Mr Garnacho accepts that he committed the offence of exceeding the speed limit and has pleaded guilty to the offence. Mr Garnacho explains this was an oversight on his part and apologises for the offence.

“Our client is embarrassed that he is currently in this position and apologises to the Court for the excess speed offence.”

Garnacho was also charged with failing to respond to a Greater Manchester Police letter about the offence when he was asked to identify the driver of his car in October last year, but that was withdrawn after his guilty plea. The Chelsea star was convicted and sentenced in a hearing conducted last week behind closed doors under the Single Justice Procedure.

The date of the speeding offence came four days before he quit United. His exit had been expected after he fell out of favour with then head coach Ruben Amorim.

Since moving to Chelsea the Argentine has made 36 appearances scoring seven goals. 21 of his appearances have come as a starter with the rest off the bench.

HBO’s new Harry Potter series has been given a release window with a first trailer revealing the star-studded cast

Advertisement

HBO’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has finally been given a new trailer leaving countless fans excited to see the fresh interpretation of JK Rowling’s bestselling books.

Starring Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, the series portrays the Boy Who Lived’s thrilling first year at Hogwarts.

The new trailer has also offered fans their initial glimpses at the star-studded supporting cast, including Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid and John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore.

It dropped yesterday (Wednesday, 25th March) in time to coincide with the exciting launch of HBO Max in the UK, where fans can stream some of the most critically acclaimed US dramas. But when will the first season of Harry Potter be added to the platform? Let’s examine what we know, reports the Mirror.

READ MORE: Harry Potter told he’s ‘nothing special’ in huge trailer for new TV series amid earlier release dateREAD MORE: New villain Mr Charles in Daredevil and link to past films explained

When will the Harry Potter series be released?

A specific premiere date is not currently known but the trailer confirms a release window of Christmas 2026. This could suggest a premiere for the first episode on Christmas Day, though it also means the series could arrive any time in mid-to-late December.

The first season of Harry Potter, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will consist of eight episodes.

Earlier reports seemed to suggest a 2027 release date for the first series, so fans were delighted to discover the highly anticipated fantasy series will be arriving sooner than expected. A logline for the programme reads: “There is nothing special about Harry Potter – at least that’s what his Aunt Petunia always says.

Get HBO Max free with Sky

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£4.99

£0

Sky

Advertisement

Get the deal here

Sky is giving away free subscriptions to HBO Max with its £22 Ultimate TV bundle, which also includes Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, Hayu, and around 135 channels at no extra cost.

“On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past.”

Alongside the trailer, HBO has also unveiled some enchanting new stills of the cast, which also features Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, and Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres Christmas 2026 on HBO Max.

Maura Higgins has reportedly had her say on ex Pete Wick kissing his pal Olivia Attwood and the Irish star had a brutal response

Maura Higgins has been catching up with the news her ex Pete Wicks has shared a kiss with her ‘nemesis’ Olivia Attwood. A romance between Love Islander Maura, 35, and TOWIE’s Pete, 37, come to an end last year after a series of stormy rows, before they ever went public.

And now, sources close to the Irish beauty have said her ex growing closer to his pal is no surprise to her. Insiders says she had her suspicions during their time together and that Pete’s actions are “vindication” that her gut was right about him at the time.

But in a brutal response, she is said to have said Olivia can “have my sloppy seconds”. The insider added: “Maura is living her best life right now – she’s cracked America, Pete Wicks is the last thing on her mind.

READ MORE: Bodyguard breaks silence after making Jude Law’s daughter cry as Chappell Roan hit with massive scrutinyREAD MORE: Romeo Beckham breaks down in tears as Cruz sings emotional track about Brooklyn

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Speaking to The Sun, the source went on: “But she couldn’t resist a dig about how he took Olivia to the same place he took her. In her words, ‘That says it all’.”

Maura publicly called time on her spell with Pete as she left a Valentine’s dinner with friends at London’s Sheesh restaurant last year. When she was asked where Pete was, she bluntly replied: “Dunno. Probably out cheating.”

While Maura and Olivia are said to have bad blood in the past, with Olivia’s camp accusing Maura of trying to ‘copy’ her career. Both ladies have been trying to make waves in America after signing with the same agency Align PR.

Now it seems Olivia is going after Maura’s ex after her split from footballer Bradley Dack following less than three years of marriage. The sports star’s apparent actions are said to have led to the pair’s demise.

The footballer has been called out by her friends, who said his alleged cheating sparked the toxic split that is playing out in public.

And on Tuesday, amid her love life drama, Olivia, 34, posted a defiant selfie to Instagram and wrote: “And reading ‘hey girly’ texts on my break, gals come to the front today please and then I’m moving on with my life ty x.”

According to Urban Dictionary, if a text reads “hey girly” it is a “text you receive or send about a man cheating”.

It comes as pals told The Sun: “She [Olivia] was trying to respect their ten-year relationship by staying quiet, but her friends are bemused as to how Bradley is the one who caused all this, and Liv was still trying to protect him.”

But following images of Olivia and Pete’s kiss, sources close to Bradley say he is “livid”. Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed the footballer is “embarrassed” but “not surprised”.

“Bradley is livid, he’s not surprised at all but is completely embarrassed and upset,” they said. “He can’t believe Olivia has moved on so publicly and they’ve not even signed the divorce papers.

“Bradley was hopeful for a reunion with Olivia but after this, he’s just livid and will take her to the cleaners. She has been in the depths of a really horrible break-up and Pete has helped her through it. He’s suspected things for the past year but she’s always denied it.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

This comes with a trial scheme running nine self-contained pods for some of the borough’s most vulnerable homeless people to sleep in ending.

The trial period ran between November last year to March 31 with Bolton Council saying that they managed to achieve their main objective in keeping rough sleepers safe over the winter.

Council cabinet member for adults and community housing Cllr Sean Fielding said: “I’m delighted that the Sleeper Pods have proved a safe haven for some of our most vulnerable people this winter, giving them renewed hope and a ‘stepping stone’ to rebuild their lives.

“There are far too many people that are homeless, and it can affect people from all backgrounds, especially those at risk of a sudden loss of income, rising inflation, relationship breakdowns, and domestic abuse.

The pods include self contained living spaces (Image: Billa Ahmed)

“However, Bolton is always on hand to provide targeted help in accessing shelter and accommodation when needed, helping people get back on track as quickly as possible.

“We are also working with landlords and owners of empty properties to offer them practical support, security and reassurance to provide more affordable housing for Bolton people in need.”

The nine self-contained sleeper pods were installed on a former car park at Higher Bridge Street and Topp Way, with 24-hour security and wraparound support in the site.

The scheme supported the council’s statutory obligation under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to protect vulnerable people during the coldest months.

The pods were designed as safe alternatives to rough sleeping, and to show that living independently in a secure, private, self-contained place is a real goal.

The council says that people staying in the pods have given testimonies saying: “It’s the first time I’ve been properly warm in years”.

Others have described them as “luxury in a box”, “a Godsend”, “life-changing”.

The council says it will be carrying out a final assessment of the scheme this summer and that this will inform its plans and decisions in the future.

They say that they are working to make sure that no one returns to living on the streets.

The council says people who have stayed in the pods have either moved into more permanent accommodation or are in the process of transferring to more specialist settings.

To do this the council has linked up with other specialist support organisations including the homeless nursing team, social workers, mental health, substance use and other agencies.

Together they say they have been continuing to provide support to the residents with the help they need after leaving the pods. 

The council says any decision on whether to reintroduce a Sleeper Pod scheme next Winter will be made after full review and discussions with these partners.

The council says Bolton’s ultimate aim is to tackle the causes of homelessness and stop it arising in the first place, and the pods are one of several initiatives in place to support this.

Nicole Carroll and Fiona Harris, from Hays Travel in Motherwell, abseiled off it earlier this month to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland. They were joined by Nicole’s friend, Jennifer Wilson, and Fiona’s partner, Jim Woods.

A pair of Motherwell travel agents have raised £1,590 for a Spina Bifida charity after abseiling off the Falkirk Wheel.

The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift in central Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

Nicole Carroll and Fiona Harris, from Hays Travel in Motherwell, abseiled off it earlier this month to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland.

They were joined by Nicole’s friend, Jennifer Wilson, and Fiona’s partner, Jim Woods.

This is the second year that Hays Travel Motherwell have supported the charity, last year organising a fundraising ladies afternoon tea and raising £1,800. This year, they got a bit more adventurous with an abseil!

Motherwell Hays Travel assistant manager, Nicole Carroll, said: “We chose this charity as it’s very close to our family. My husband has Spina Bifida, and his mum has been actively involved with the charity for over 30 years.

“It was important to us to support an organisation that does so much for families and creates a real sense of community and support.”

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland offer information, one-to-one support and groups for children and adults with Spina Bifida.

Andrew Flynn, of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, said: “The biggest thank you to our amazing abseilers who raised vital funds for SBH Scotland – you were all brilliant – together we really are unstoppable!

READ MORE: New report highlights progress that North Lanarkshire Council is improving across range of key areas

“If you want to take part in 2027, email fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk.”

Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent, with branches across the UK – all committed to supporting their customers and the local communities they serve.

Each Hays Travel branch is provided with a £500 budget to use for fundraising and charity work in their local area; £200 of this is to be used to fundraise for charities which support young people’s mental health, and the other £300 can be used for charities chosen by the branch.

In the last year, Hays Travel’s Local Community Partnership initiative across its retail network has donated almost £170,000 to local charities.

READ MORE: Steel strategy a boost for Motherwell’s Dalzell Steelworks

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.