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NewsBeat

Shrek at 25: How everyone’s favourite ogre went from development hell to all-star smash

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Shrek at 25: How everyone's favourite ogre went from development hell to all-star smash
Happy birthday, big guy (Picture: Dreamworks/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)

Shrek, the big green ogre who became the face of a multi-billion-dollar franchise, turned 25 this week, and the impact of its success is still being felt from here ot Far Far Away. 

The DreamWorks Animation pictures hit is impossible to ignore when considering the history of Hollywood animation, and the life it has taken as grown far beyond the cinema screen. 

From sequels and spin-offs, to theme parks, internet meme culture and themed club raves fueled by millennial nostalgia, the Shrek swamp party has never really stopped over the last 25 years. 

That is, in large part, thanks to the smash(mouth) success of the 2001 original. It made a splash with $494million at the box office. It even competed for the Palme d’Or at that year’s Cannes Film Festival, before topping it all off by winning the very first Oscar for Best Animated Feature. 

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But that fairytale ending for Shrek wasn’t always a foregone conclusion – and it came after a long rollercoaster of a production that nearly saw a very different version come to the screen. 

So, as the original adventure for Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona returns to the big screens for the 25th anniversary, let’s dive into the swamp that made up the journey to get Shrek from page to mega stardom…

Once Upon a Time…

DreamWorks – founded by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen in 1994 – was having something of a moment in the late 90s and early 00s. 

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The live-action wing was coming off of two back-to-back Best Picture winners with American Beauty (1999) and Gladiator (2000) – and would make it three-in-a-row in 2001 with A Beautiful Mind. The animation wing, however, was a different story. 

With Katzenberg in charge, the animation division was keen to go toe to toe with the mighty mouse itself, Walt Disney Pictures, a rivalry stoked by the fact that Katzenberg had been fired from Walt Disney in 1994 by then-president and CEO Michael Eisner. 

Their very first animated offering – the computer-generated Antz in 1998 – was released just one month before Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story follow-up, similar insect-focused A Bug’s Life, with the Disney-Pixar titans dominating the worldwide box office at the end of their runs (Antz grossed $171.8million, A Bug’s Life $363.3m). 

Antz was followed up by more traditional hand-drawn animated offerings – The Prince of Egypt ( well-reviewed and a modest financial success) and The Road to El Dorado, which received mixed reviews and was a big box office flop (it has, however, quite rightfully gained a cult following). 

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Katzenberg needed a hit, but turning to Shrek wasn’t the most obvious choice. 

For Editorial Use - Credit Studio Only Mandatory Credit: Photo by THA/Shutterstock (15072620qe) Film Stills from
The first movie was a massive hit – but it was almost a very different movie (Picture: THA/Shutterstock)

Getting ‘Shreked’ 

Adapted from a 30-page children’s book by William Steig, the movie had been in active development from the very early days of DreamWorks, but being assigned to it quickly became a short-hand for punishment at the fledgling DreamWorks Animation. 

‘It was known as the Gulag,’ an animator told author Nicole Laporte for her book The Men Who Would be King: An Almost Epic Tale of Moguls, Movies and a Company Called DreamWorks. 

‘If you failed on Prince of Egypt, you were sent to the dungeons to work on Shrek,’ the unnamed source added. Employees at Dreamworks began calling it being ‘Shreked.’ 

The film almost looked very different, too. Originally envisioned as a live-action project, the development then shifted to using an early version of motion-capture animation, which resulted in the now infamous Shrek – I Feel Good animation test. 

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Not released publicly till 2023, the test features a very creepy-looking Shrek and a much darker tone. Animated by a crew known as the Propellerheads, which had future Shark Tale director Rob Letterman and mega-producer JJ Abrams in its ranks, it did not go down well with the powers that be, with Katzenberg stating, ‘It looked terrible, it didn’t work, it wasn’t funny, and we didn’t like it.’ 

It did feature comedian and actor Chris Farley in the role of Shrek. The SNL star was originally cast in the role, and even recorded much of the dialogue for the project before he died of an overdose at age 33 in 1997. 

You can see a recording set to early storyboards that give you a sense of what Farley was bringing to the character, a much different but surprisingly vulnerable take on the big green ogre who would go on to be voiced by Mike Myers, fresh off the success of the Austin Powers movies. 

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Turning the page 

Around the time of Farley’s passing, the movie was beginning to have a creative overhaul.

Pacific Data Images PDI, the computer animation company that worked on Antz, took over the animation, and once Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson were confirmed as directors, joining the Shrek development team began to feel less like a punishment and a bit more punk rock. 

Discussing the film’s anniversary with journalist Barry Levitt for Letterboxd, Jenson recalls, ‘Because the spotlight’s not on you for quite a while, there’s a tremendous amount of focus. 

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“For so long, it was just this little movie we were working on up in Palo Alto, away from the DreamWorks mothership. It felt like we were making a movie in our garage.’

The film also began to take shape as something that came to be the key to its success and tone, standing as a more satirical take on fairytales and of the movies produced by Walt Disney Pictures. 

For Editorial Use - Credit Studio Only Mandatory Credit: Photo by THA/REX/Shutterstock (15072620ps) Film Stills from
The film’s journey to the screen has, much like ogre’s, many layers (Picture: THA/REX/Shutterstock)

Christopher Holliday, lecturer in film studies, Department of Liberal Arts, King’s College London, wrote for The Conversation that ‘Shrek was a milestone for American cartoons that paved the way for a unique brand of animated anarchy and sardonic irreverence that still holds sway across the industry today.’

From pop-culture references ranging from the obvious Disney targets (the Duloc song riffing on It’s A Small World) to the more adult-targeted (The Matrix fighting styles), Shrek’s irreverent humour stood in stark contrast to the traditional model of family-friendly movies of the time, and that approach has reverberated over the last quarter of a decade. 

The same can be said for its use of needle drops in the film, which replace the more traditional ballads and songbooks found in Disney movies. As Holliday observes, its signature hit, Smash Mouth’s All Star, has a bombastic tone that ‘fitted the film’s playful anti-Disney sensibility.

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‘Shrek’s frequent aims at the Mouse House’s recognisable narrative formula and saccharine sentimentality were deemed a pointed dig at Katzenberg’s former employers too.’ 

But as Jenson is keen to point out, it was all about poking fun at Disney, which was something that was always on Katzenberg’s mind, too.

‘Obviously, we’re poking at fairy tales, and Disney was the one who brought most fairy tales to the culture in a big way,” she says Jenson 

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‘And in a couple of cases, sure, we were. Like, the expectations of a princess. When we’d present something to Jeffrey that was especially pointed, he’d sit back in his chair and say, ‘They’re gonna blame me. But it’s funny, go for it.’ He was very out there about his dealings with Disney, and loved being on the phone with his lawyers, gloating. But he never sat us down and said this would be a middle finger to Disney. He knew the story came first. He wanted to make a great movie.’

What’s your favourite Shrek movie in the franchise?

  • Puss in Boots: The Last WishCheck

An enduring appeal with many layers

But the film wouldn’t have its enduring appeal if it also didn’t offer characters in which to hook and a story that proved worthwhile, with its theme of not judging a book by its cover continuing to provide a sweetness and strong emotional arc that helps it resonate. 

Jenson points towards Cameron Diaz’s Princess Fiona as a character who embodies the strengths of the movie to both unpack stereotypes and genre trappings to mine both humour and emotion. 

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For Editorial Use - Credit Studio Only Mandatory Credit: Photo by THA/REX/Shutterstock (15072620pw) Film Stills from
Co-director Vicky Jenson points to Princess Fiona as her favourite character (Picture: THA/REX/Shutterstock)
For Editorial Use - Credit Studio Only Mandatory Credit: Photo by THA/Shutterstock (15072576uc) Film Still from
There’s also a Donkey spin-off in the works (Picture: THA/Shutterstock)

‘I think she continues to resonate because when we were working on the movie, all the rom-coms out there, women were only talking about getting married, and landing a guy. To watch someone in real time go from these expectations handed to her about what her life was supposed to be, and discovering who she really is, and finding someone who could see that and not judge her, is unique. She relaxed into her own true self.’

It’s all these elements – including the buddy-movie banter between Shrek and Donkey – that helped the movie land with such a splash in the summer of 2001, becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of the year, as well as earning two Oscar nominations for best adapted screenplay and animated feature. 

It still boasts an impressive 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and continues to find fans, with nearly a million five-star reviews from users on Letterboxd, before even considering it would go on to spawn a franchise that to this date has earned over $4billion world-wide. 

Where to watch Shrek

The original Shrek is currently showing in select cinemas across the UKin both standard 2D and 4DX formats.

Otherwise, you can rent or buy it digitally from Amazon, Apple, Sky Store, Rakuten TV, and YouTube

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What’s happening with Shrek 5? 

Speaking of that legacy, the long-rumoured and discussed Shrek 5 is finally on its way. 

While there have been three sequels and two Puss in Boots spin-offs, there hasn’t been a feature film featuring Shrek since the release of Shrek Forever After in 2010. 

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But you can’t keep a good ogre (or IP) down for too long, with Shrek 5 currently slated for release on June 30, 2027, with a Donkey spin-off also in the works.

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz are coming back, with Zendeya also joining the cast as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter. 

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The first look at the movie left some fans in shock with the redesign of the characters, with some on social media calling for the creators to stay more in line with the original.

‘Bring back old animation, WTF IS THIS,’ Riccoo commented on Instagram. 

‘We’re all excited for this comeback, but to be honest, it’s not good. Bring back the old design’ Fernando added.

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That reaction only goes to show the level of affection that fans have towards the movie, particularly the people who have grown up with it over the last 25 years. 

With the original now back in cinemas for its birthday celebrations, and a new entry just over one year away, the swamp party is far from being over.

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BBC star Nicky Campbell’s daughter ‘badly injured’ in e-bike hit and run

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Daily Record

Lilla was rushed to A&E after being struck by the e-bike rider.

Nicky Campbell’s daughter was rushed to hospital after being struck by an e-bike.

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The BBC broadcaster said Lilla, 26, was with her sisters in the Peckham area of London when the incident unfolded on Friday night.

Taking to Instagram, he said: “‘It’s been a long and emotional night.

“My daughter Lilla was hit by an e-bike hit-and-run last night in Peckham – hopefully there is CCTV.’

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He said he hoped CCTV footage would be able to track the rider down, who allegedly “scarpered” once the ambulance arrived.

Lilla was taken to A&E at King’s College Hospital for treatment.

He continued: “She is badly injured but now at home.

“It could have been so much worse. We are incredibly lucky.”

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Campbell went on to thank emergency services.

“The police were magnificent,” he said. He went on to add that the hospital staff were ‘wonderful’, and called them ‘superb’.

Police in London and across the border in Scotland have launched a clampdown on illegal e-bikes activity and modified bikes.

Commander Neerav Patel, who leads the Met’s operations against illegal e-bikes, said: ‘Officers will be using an intelligence-led approach to precisely target hotspots, make arrests, and clear thousands of illegal vehicles from our streets.’

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‘We are not starting from scratch,’ adding the force has ‘already seized over 2,500 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in the last year’.

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Lawn care expert issues urgent summer warning amid heat surge

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Lawn care expert issues urgent summer warning amid heat surge

The extreme weather is expected to be driven by the global El Niño climate pattern.

Chris McIlroy, a lawn specialist at The Grass People, said: “We won’t know the true impact of El Nino this summer until it’s upon us.

“But after an unseasonably warm spring, it’s sensible to predict a hot summer is to follow.

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“Taking steps to prepare your garden now will go a long way in ensuring it stays vibrant throughout the summer.”

Mr McIlroy recommends aerating lawns to help them withstand the heat.

He said: “You don’t necessarily need fancy equipment to aerate your lawn, using a pitch fork will suffice.

“It can prevent the lawn becoming compacted, so that water can seep through instead of just sitting on top.”

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Feeding the lawn before the hottest months can also promote healthy growth, but over-fertilising can be damaging.

Mr McIlroy said: “Too much fertiliser can do more harm than good, particularly as temperatures rise.

“Opt for balanced or potassium-rich feeds rather than high-nitrogen products on your lawn, which can encourage vulnerable growth.

“Feeding plants can also help build their resilience, too.”

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He also advises raising the mower blade as summer approaches.

Mr McIlroy said: “Letting your grass grow a little longer before a heatwave gives it a head start.

“Longer grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture when it matters most.

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“Set your mower blades to a higher setting so you’re not cutting too much off.”

Adopting a smart watering routine is also key to lawn survival during hot spells.

Mr McIlroy said: “Training yourself to water at the right time before a heatwave arrives means it becomes second nature when you really need it.

“Avoid the middle of the day, when water is likely to evaporate before it can soak through to the grass roots.

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“Establish a habit of watering first thing in the morning.”

He also recommends installing a water butt.

Mr McIlroy said: “Also, install a water butt so any rainfall is captured and can be used as a resource if hosepipe bans come into force.”

Do you enjoy the heat? Let us know in the comments

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UK shoppers issued urgent supermarket warning this month

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UK shoppers issued urgent supermarket warning this month

Industry experts are warning that food prices may climb, despite the UK’s current rate of inflation holding steady.

While inflation has not increased in recent months, the Bank of England says global events could soon put pressure on supermarket bills.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “While the war in the Middle East pushes prices up globally, we have got the right economic plan and inflation has held steady.”

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However, Karen Betts, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said the impact of Middle East disruptions on food prices has not yet filtered through.

Ms Betts told The Sun: “It’s good to see an easing of food inflation in May, but consumer prices still don’t reflect the inflation caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“It generally takes several months for the increased costs paid by farmers, processors and manufacturers to filter into raised prices at the tills… and we expect food inflation to pick up this year and into next.”

Economists had forecast that inflation would rise to three per cent in May, making the latest figures a relief for many households.

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Jim Mellon, chief executive of Agronomics, said: “Global conflicts, along with climate change, are causing food shortages, supply chain issues and price spikes in the UK and beyond.”

George Philips, commercial director at Wains, the UK’s largest World Food distributor and wholesaler, said items at risk of price rises include bottled water, cooking oil, washing up liquid, tea, coffee, rice, sugar, meat, milk, bread, pasta, and cereal.

Retail analysts at Omnisend noted that rising oil and gas prices are making the transport of goods more expensive.

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Marty Bauer, a retail analyst, said: “That extra cost rarely disappears, and most of Britain’s biggest retailers will likely do anything to avoid it impacting their margins, so unfortunately, it tends to be passed down the chain, while making sure to avoid deterring consumers entirely.”

The ONS said that food inflation is slow compared to other areas of consumer spending.

Have you noticed a rise in prices? Let us know in the comments

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At least seven killed in twin roadside bombings in northwest Pakistan

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At least seven killed in twin roadside bombings in northwest Pakistan

Two roadside bombs in restive northwestern Pakistan killed at least seven people on Saturday, authorities said.

The first targeted a vehicle, while the second went off as rescuers responded to the blast in Bannu, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, senior police official Yasir Afridi said, adding both were controlled remotely.

Mr Afridi said five people were killed in the first blast and two in the second. Three people were also wounded, he said.

A search operation to find those responsible is underway.

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“A private pick-up truck carrying passengers was targeted with a remote-controlled IED,” said Mr Afridi, using a common acronym for a homemade bomb.

“The injured were being transported to hospital in a car for emergency treatment when a second IED exploded,” he said, adding that three people were wounded.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, who have been blamed for similar attacks in the past.

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the bombings. In a statement, he conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

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Without naming any group, Mr Zardari issued a warning to “internal and external handlers of terrorism” who provide safe havens, logistical support and financial assistance to militant networks.

Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant violence in recent years, much of it claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. The group is separate from, but allied with, Afghanistan’s Taliban, who seized power in Kabul in 2021.

Pakistani officials say many TTP leaders and fighters have found sanctuary across the border in Afghanistan, although the Taliban government in Kabul has repeatedly denied these accusations.

Relations between the two neighbours have deteriorated sharply in recent months, with tensions spilling over into military confrontations, including Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan.

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Earlier this month, Pakistan said air strikes near the frontier killed at least 26 Taliban fighters. Afghan authorities, however, said the attacks left 12 civilians dead.

The main border crossings have remained largely shut since violence intensified in October, hampering trade and restricting the movement of people and goods between the two countries.

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All you need to know about the five rules impacting Man United’s summer transfer business

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Manchester Evening News
All you need to know about the five rules impacting Man United’s summer transfer business – Manchester Evening News

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Motorbike stolen from Clifton Moor car park in York

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Motorbike stolen from Clifton Moor car park in York

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after the Yamaha, with a black and yellow fuel tank, was stolen in Bleriot Way, Clifton Moor, at around 1pm on Friday, June 12.

The force said the motorcycle was taken from the car park of the owner’s workplace.

A police spokesperson said a man had taken the motorcycle and “wheeled it away from the area”.

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They urged anyone who has seen the bike to contact North Yorkshire Police.

“If anyone has seen the bike in the image attached or has any information as to who may currently be in possession of it please could you get in touch,” the police spokesperson said.

“If you can help our appeal, please email peter.henderson@northyorkshire.police.uk

“Or call 101 and ask for PC1668 Henderson.

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“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please quote reference 12260109032 when passing on information.”

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Japan to raise visa fees for foreign nationals for first time in nearly 50 years

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Japan to raise visa fees for foreign nationals for first time in nearly 50 years

Japan will raise visa fees for foreign nationals from next month, marking the first increase in nearly 50 years, authorities said.

The cabinet approved the change on Friday, and it will apply to visa applications submitted on or after 1 July.

Under the new fee structure, the cost of a single-entry visa will rise from 3,000 Japanese yen to 15,000 Japanese yen, while the cost of a multiple-entry visa will rise from 6,000 Japanese yen to 30,000 Japanese yen.

“The current visa fee was set in 1978, and we have recently revised it to reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations since then,“ foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a news conference on Friday.

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“We made this decision after carefully considering various factors, and we do not anticipate that it will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism,” he added.

The fee increases follow legislation approved by parliament last month that allows the government to raise a range of immigration-related charges. Officials say the additional revenue will help cover the growing costs associated with managing Japan’s expanding foreign resident population and improving immigration services, according to The Japan Times.

As part of the broader overhaul, the legal ceiling for fees related to residency status changes and visa extensions will be increased significantly, while the maximum charge for permanent residency applications will also rise. The government has proposed lifting fees for residency status modifications and stay extensions to between 10,000 Japanese yen and 70,000 Japanese yen, depending on the application type.

Charges for permanent residency applications are expected to increase from 10,000 Japanese yen to 200,000 Japanese yen. Authorities aim to introduce those changes before the end of the fiscal year in March 2027, Nippon reported.

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Officials say the extra funds will support immigration processing, expand Japanese-language education programs and strengthen efforts to tackle visa overstays.

Japan’s foreign resident population reached a record 4.13 million people by the end of 2025, according to government data.

The government has also argued that the revised fees will bring Japan’s immigration-related charges closer to those imposed by other advanced economies, where visa and residency application costs are often substantially higher.

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Parklife 2026 day one LIVE: Huge festival returns to Heaton Park with 80,000 crowd

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Manchester Evening News

The Parklife 2026 weekend at Heaton Park is finally here!

The annual event kicks off on Saturday (June 20) and will continue into Sunday (June 21), with a varied line-up of DJs and performers, including the likes of Calvin Harris, Zara Larsson, Skepta and Sammy Virji. There will also be lots of homegrown talent represented on the roster, including Josh Baker and Morgan Seatree.

Each year, the festival attracts over 82,000 attendees with many coming from outside of Manchester for the good times and atmosphere.

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Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter

Parklife 2026 will consist of five different stages, with a new Panorama stage making its debut this year. Described as an evolution of the fan-favourite Hangar, it will consist of multi-level dance platforms, a massive 100-metre curved LED screen that wraps around the stage, and exclusive behind-the-booth access for VIPs.

In addition to Parklife, the city is set to be busier than usual with fans also attending the Take That concert at the Etihad Stadium. In addition, Lily Allen will also be performing at the AO Arena this evening whilst the Soft & Gentle Netball Super League will continue at at Co-op Live. Because of this, fans have been asked to plan ahead when it comes to travel.

Today’s Parklife line-up will be fronted by Skepta and Sammy Virji, with Mozey, East End Dubs, Dean Turnley, Daria Kolosova, Rossi., Andy, Jamback, Mall Grab, and K Motionz amongst the performers later on tonight.

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We’ll be sharing all the latest on day one of Parklife 2026 in our live blog below which you can follow for updates and photos.

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UK law change affecting every worker now in force

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Daily Mirror

Law changes mean the consequences for crossing the line could be more serious than many realise

With the World Cup now in full swing, workplaces across the country – from offices to building sites – are buzzing with football-related conversations and group chat activity, most of which remains harmless fun.

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However, HR specialist Kate Underwood warns that major sporting events can sometimes spark issues when banter oversteps the mark from lighthearted ribbing into conduct that leaves colleagues feeling uneasy. Following recent amendments to employment legislation, the ramifications for both staff members and businesses can be far graver than many people appreciate.

Kate Underwood, who established the Southampton-based Kate Underwood HR and Training, explained: “The good banter is easy. Office sweepstakes, winding up a colleague after a bad result or debating whether football is coming home. The problem starts when comments become personal, targeted or continue after someone has made it clear they are uncomfortable.”

Kate noted that numerous workplace difficulties emerged because individuals concentrated on their intentions rather than the impact of their words.

She added: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that saying ‘I was only joking’ somehow solves everything. It doesn’t. What matters is how the comment lands with the other person, not what the speaker meant by it.”

She cautioned that football tournaments could turn into “flashpoints for inappropriate comments about gender, appearance or personal characteristics”. Remarks such as “do women even like football?” or persistent jokes aimed at a single individual can rapidly become an issue, particularly when alcohol flows at post-match gatherings.

Kate said: “The workplace version of ‘it was just banter’ is often where things start going wrong. Most people know where the line is. The issue is when someone keeps pushing after it has stopped being funny.”

UK employment law change in 2026 now in force

The stakes have risen following amendments brought in through the Employment Rights Act. Since April 2026, reporting sexual harassment has qualified as a protected disclosure under whistleblowing legislation, affording workers greater legal protections when raising concerns.

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Kate said: “A complaint that starts with somebody saying they felt uncomfortable can now potentially carry whistleblower protection. The bigger risk for employers is often not the original incident but how they react when someone raises a concern.”

She cautioned firms against brushing off complaints, sidelining staff or treating them differently once they have spoken out.

She added: “Employers need to remember that the law protects the person raising the concern. The worst response is to punish the messenger.”

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For employers, the answer isn’t to prohibit football banter entirely, but rather to ensure managers are clear about appropriate boundaries and that employees have a straightforward mechanism to voice concerns should issues arise.

Kate explained: “For almost everyone, the football is exactly what it should be: a bit of fun and a good excuse to wind up the desk next to you. The job for employers is simply making sure that if something stops being a joke, there is a safe place for people to speak up.

“Employers must take reasonable steps, such as adding a simple process like an independent reporting line, to ensure whistleblowing is taken seriously.”

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Missing man’s van found abandoned in near Newton Aycliffe Aldi

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Missing man's van found abandoned in near Newton Aycliffe Aldi

Gary, 65, has been reported missing after his van was found near Aldi in Newton Aycliffe.

Gary was last seen several weeks ago (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

He has not been seen for several weeks, police said.

Gary and is described as being of average height, with dark hair and a full beard. He is often seen wearing workwear.

He is said to have links to Newton Aycliffe and Whitby.

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Anybody with any information relating to Gary’s whereabouts is asked to contact Durham Police quoting incident number 389 of June 14.

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