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ONE of the world’s biggest gaming festivals is coming back to life after a three-year wait.

BlizzCon – which is hosted by Microsoft-owned Blizzard – sees tens of thousands of gamers flocking to hear the latest gaming news.

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

Tens of thousands of gamers descend on Anaheim Convention Centre for the event[/caption]

And the next BlizzCon event is set to take place on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 in 2026.

The first BlizzCon took place all the way back in 2005, and it’s attracted top musical talent.

Closing Ceremony acts have included Metallica, Linkin Park, Muse, Blink 182, Ozzy Osbourne, Tenacious D, and The Offspring.

The event focuses on blockbuster games from Blizzard, which is part of Microsoft‘s Activision.

That includes titles from the Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, and Overwatch franchises.

The most recent event was BlizzCon 2023, which means there will have been a three-year gap between events.

Blizzard used to host BlizzCon every year, but breaks have become more frequent – with this being the longest gap.

“Our celebration of our universes, connection, and community is coming back to the Anaheim Convention Center next year,” Blizzard said.

“Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments.

“It’s important that we put on an event worthy of our community.

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

Fans dress up as their favourite characters from Blizzard games[/caption]

“For 2026, alongside BlizzCon staples like Opening Ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, friendly competition, hands-on gameplay, and more, we aim to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it.”

Gamers who attend usually get to claim a free goodie bag filled with merch – plus exclusive in-game items.

And they’ll get to hear the latest updates first about upcoming Blizzard games.

This is also one of the first BlizzCon events since tech giant Microsoft bought up Blizzard’s parent company Activision.

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

Overwatch is one of Blizzard’s biggest games – and will be making an appearance at BlizzCon 2026[/caption]

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

The event also hosts live esports tournaments[/caption]

The buy-out happened less than a month before the 2023 BlizzCon, which meant it was still very fresh.

There’s no pricing for tickets yet, but a single entry cost $299 for the 2023 event.

Blizzard also hasn’t revealed when tickets will go on sale, but it’s usually a few months before the event.

WHAT GAMES TO EXPECT AT BLIZZCON 2026

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

So what can gamers look forward to at BlizzCon 2026?

Blizzard won’t reveal its exact plans ahead of time, but we can make some educated guesses.

World of Warcraft is one game into its Worldsoul Saga trilogy, which with Midnight and The Last Titan still to come.

It’s unlikely that all three will be out before BlizzCon 2026, but the event could be used to reveal what comes next.

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

Shooter hit Overwatch 2 came out in 2023, replacing 2016’s Overwatch.

There’s no word on whether an Overwatch 3 is in the works, but we’d expect to see major updates to the existing game at least. That could include new game modes, maps, and characters.

Hellish RPG Diablo 4 also launched in 2023, a lengthy 11 years after Diablo 3.

It feels far too soon for Diablo 5, but Blizzard has teased a new expansion for 2026 – following this year’s Vessel of Hatred.

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

BlizzCon has attracted top musical acts including Linkin Park, Metallica, and Ozzy Osbourne[/caption]

There hasn’t been a new Starcraft game since 2010, unless you include expansion packs and 2017’s remaster of the original game.

So action-RPG fans will be hoping for Starcraft 3 to drop – or maybe some other game set in the sci-fi universe.

And we could also see big updates to other Blizzard games like card-battling hit Hearthstone or phone-friendly Warcraft Rumble.

Sadly Heroes of the Storm news seems unlikely, given that Blizzard ended development of the game back in mid-2022.

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

Microsoft / Activision Blizzard

Blizzard might also use the event to launch a brand new game or franchise.

Similarly, we might see Blizzard reveal more tie-ins with Microsoft products and services – including the Xbox.

We’ll find out for sure in 2026.

MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed an “unrealistic” feature in their new 100,000-seater stadium plans.

The Red Devils unveiled stunning images of the £2billion “Wembley of North” that will replace Old Trafford.

PA

Man Utd have announced stunning plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium[/caption]

PA

PA

Incredible images show the ‘umbrella’ design[/caption]

PA

The new stadium could cost £2billion to construct[/caption]

PA

United ambitiously want to have the stadium ready in five years[/caption]

United’s new home will feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.

Architects at Foster and Partners also confirmed that there will be three towers to hold up the “umbrella” – with a sweeping glass and steel canopy acting as a roof for fans inside and outside the ground.

United have ambitiously predicted that the stadium will be finished within five years.

But fans have taken a sceptical view of a small feature seen in the computer generated images released today.

Above the stands is a huge wraparound scoreboard that reads that United are 3-0 up.

Fans were not convinced the scoreline would ever be true given the club are currently in the midst of a disastrous season, sitting 14th in the Premier League table.

One hilariously commented: “The most audacious thing from this new stadium project is the fact they’re assuming we’ll be 3-0 up at home.”

Another added: “How unrealistic can you get Man Utd haven’t been 3-0 up since Fergie retired.”

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

PA

There will be a vast fan zone with shops, restaurant and bars underneath the ‘umbrella panels’[/caption]

PA

The government have backed the regeneration[/caption]

The eye-catching stadium plans are part of a wider government-backed regeneration of the Trafford Park area.

There will be a Wembley Way-like path up to the stadium that includes plans for a three-storey museum and canal-side shops and restaurants to all be part of a huge fan park.

Approximately 17,000 homes are set to be built and the area will become a major hub of activity, creating 92,000 jobs.

Architect Lord Foster said: “The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater, and sheltering a new public plaza that is twice the size of Trafalgar Square.

“The outward-looking stadium will be the beating heart of a new sustainable district, which is completely walkable, served by public transport, and endowed by nature. 

“It is a mixed-use miniature city of the future – driving a new wave of growth and creating a global destination that Mancunians can be proud of.”

For the designs to come to life, the current Old Trafford will be knocked down.

The decision to demolish the club’s spiritual home has been made by the Regeneration Task Force chaired by Lord Coe and including legend Gary Neville and mayor Andy Burnham.

United are currently in £1billion worth of debt and it is unclear how they plan on paying for the new stadium.

PA

The area’s modernisation could create over 90,000 jobs[/caption]

PA

17,000 homes are predicted to be built[/caption]

PA

A three-story museum is set be added to the park[/caption]

The Americans love the idea of a ‘three-peat’ – so they are getting very excited at the possibility of Scottie Scheffler making it three in a row at the Players Championship

That obviously depends on the world No 1 rediscovering last year’s sparkle, and there was little sign of that happening at Bay Hill last week.

Scheffler, the 5-1 favourite this week, finished in a tie for eleventh – not too shabby – but his woeful performance with the putter did little to inspire confidence.

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Players Championship betting tips

Second favourite Rory McIlroy is not a big fan of Sawgrass, so this could be a good week to avoid both of the Big Two – and the list of players who could step up is headed by Justin Thomas.

Thomas is looking much more like the player who won two USPGA titles despite a pretty mediocre performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week. 

I’m willing to overlook that, as Bay Hill is not a course that Thomas has looked comfortable on in the past. But you cannot say the same thing about Sawgrass.

Thomas won here in 2021, and also has a share of third among some close calls here. So at 25-1, he looks to be the best value among those near the top of the market.

Shane Lowry looked like doing us a favour at similar odds when he led after 36 holes at Bay Hill, before slipping back to finish solo seventh.

He still rewarded each way support, and could do the same thing this week, at around 40-1. 

The Irishman has clocked up three top 20s here in the last four years without really threatening the leaders – but in his current mood he should take a step forward.

The Players looks wide open this year, so it could also be worth taking a chance with a couple of longshots. And one who makes plenty of appeal is in-form Englishman Aaron Rai, who is 66-1 with some bookies.

The Wolverhampton golfer now lives across the road from Sawgrass, and plays a ton of practice rounds here. So he knows the course better than a lot of the home golfers.

Rai has been easing his way back towards the sort of form that brought him his breakthrough PGA Tour victory at the Wyndham Championship last year, finishing fourth in Mexico and matching Scheffler’s 11th place at Bay Hill.

Another 66-1 shot, Robert MacIntyre also finished in the logjam for 11th place last week. Even though he missed the cut at Sawgrass last year, he is another player whose game looks well suited to this course

It is hard to make a case for most of the players at three figure odds – but Cameron Young WILL put four good rounds together soon. At 150-1, or better, he could be worth a small interest.

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There is no event on the DP World Tour this week. But the LIV circus pitches up in Singapore, with Jon Rahm inevitably leading the market, at around 7-1.

But the hottest LIV players at the moment are Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton – and slight preference is for 9-1 shot Hatton

The English ace finished a shot ahead of Niemann last year in fifth place. That was his first look at the course, and he should be a few shots better this time.

Brooks Koepka won  here a year ago, and 16-1 about him bouncing back to form is not to be sniffed at.

Sebastian Munoz looked like a player who would be winning before long when he finished joint runner-up – with Rahm – behind Adrian Meronk in Saudi Arabia. At 28-1, the Colombian golfer looks the each way pick.

And Sam Horsfield has shown enough glimpses of form to suggest he could be worth a small stake at 100-1.

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AN 18-year-old in India has made history by securing the Guinness world record for the hairiest male face.

Lalit Patidar has hair covering 95 per cent face due to a rare condition called hypertrichosis, or “werewolf syndrome”.

Lalit/GWR/TIM

Lalit/GWR/TIM

He has nearly 202 hairs per square centimetre on his face[/caption]

Triggered by a genetic mutation in most cases, it is believed to affect roughly one in 340 million people.

“Lalit is one of only around 50 documented cases reported worldwide since the Middle Ages, making him one in a billion,” Guinness World Records said on its website.

Despite facing stares from classmates as a child, the teenager from the central Madhya Pradesh state told the record-breaking site he embraces his uniqueness.

The teen even shares glimpses of his daily life on his YouTube channel, which has garnered over 108,000 followers.

Lalit recently travelled to Milan for Lo Show dei Record, where his record was officially confirmed. He has nearly 202 hairs per square centimetre on his face.

“It’s very rare that people are not treating me well,” he explained.

“Most people are good to me. It depends on the person.”

He added: “The first day of school wasn’t so good because the other kids were scared of me, but when they got to know me, they realised I’m not so different from them.”

After receiving the title, he said: “I am speechless. I don’t know what to say because I am very happy to get this recognition.”

Currently, the only way to manage the condition is by regularly trimming the hair.

Despite suggestions to remove it, Lalit confidently embraces his appearance, saying he likes himself just the way he is.

“I like how I am, and I don’t want to change my look,” he says.

Since 2023 almost a dozen cases of the bizarre syndrome have been reported in Europe.

Scientists say the unusual hair growth in newborns is likely linked to minoxidil, a popular over-the-counter hair-loss treatment.

CASES IN EUROPE

In April 2023, a baby boy began growing hair on his back, legs, and thighs over two months, triggering alarm among health experts.

This unusual case was reported by the Pharmacovigilance Centre of Navarra in northern Spain.

It turns out that the baby’s hair growth was linked to his dad using minoxidil, the hair loss treatment, while off work looking after him.

The dad had been applying the lotion to his scalp, and once the baby stopped being exposed to it, the hair growth on his back, legs, and thighs started to fade.

After this case in Spain, the Centre found 10 more similar reports of “werewolf syndrome” in babies across Europe, all linked to minoxidil use.

OUR new Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots.

This week we’re shining the light on Morocco’s Marrakech where it’s a balmy 23C right now.

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Marrakech is known for its busy and colourful Medina[/caption]

Lisa Minot

Lisa and her family went on a trip to Marrakech – and tells us all her best bits[/caption]

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, filled us in on her recent trip to the Moroccan city. She said: “I’ve just returned from a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.

“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”

She added: “It pays to do your research and book restaurants and tours in advance though as even in February and the start of Ramadan, the souks were teeming and lots of places were fully booked.

“We did a three-hour food tour of the Medina with Get Your Guide and while stuffing ourselves on some fantastic street food I probably would never have had the courage to try on my own, he revealed the secrets of the city and its fascinating past. 

“With six stops along the way, there was more than enough food and it cost just £35 each.

“My favourite stop was deep in the souks – a dish the locals love where beef is cooked in a dry frying pan with tomato, spices and eggs that is eaten by scraping the delicious dish straight from the pan.

“Also worth the money was our very special day in the Agafay Desert. An hour’s drive from the souks and we arrived at The White Camel, a luxury tented camp. 

“After an afternoon of dune buggy fun we watched the sun set with a drink by their infinity pool before indulging in a fantastic four course meal.”

Lisa Minot

The White Camel is the perfect place for couples and families[/caption]

Lisa Minot

You can hop on buggies and drive through the desert[/caption]

Lisa continued: “It cost just £170 for everything including the dune buggies, food, drink and transfers to and from the city.

“Two things to note though. Keep an eye out for the motorcyclists that whizz through the narrow streets of the Medina though – it’s the one thing that perhaps is ruining the charm of the city.

“And beware the henna ladies in the Jemaa el-Fnaa main square – they can be quite aggressive in dragging you to sit and have your hands painted and demand outrageous sums. Politely and firmly pull your hand back and avoid.”

Must see and do

You can’t go to this cultural city without experiencing the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square and all of its vibrant cafes and colourful stalls.

The square, in the heart of Marrakech, has been named a Unesco World Heritage site and it captures the city in a nutshell, making it ideal for first-timers.

Most of the cultural experiences are free to see, including musicians, snakecharming, above, and other street performers.

And make sure to visit one of the square’s many food stalls to pick up some maakouda – a traditional potato cake.

Lisa Minot

There’s lots of food and drink to try, especially if you opt for a tour[/caption]

Lisa Minot

Temperatures in April can get up to 25 degrees[/caption]

Hidden gem

Within the Kasbah district, you’ll find the Saadian Tombs. This historical landmark often gets overlooked by tourists, but is one of the city’s most beautiful spots.

The 14th-century site was discovered in 1917 and the tombs are some of the most lavish you’ll ever see, made from Italian Carrara marble, while the ceilings are decorated in pure gold.

Best view

With 360-degree views, the Nobu Hotel’s rooftop offers some of the best vistas.

Here, you’ll be able to watch the sun shimmer over the Atlas Mountains, while tucking into quality sushi or sipping on a cocktail – go for one of their signatures like the Atlas Breeze made with vodka, basil syrup, lime and ginger beer.

The best time to visit is at sunset, when you can listen to mellow tunes from a live DJ.

Le Salama Marrakech

Away from the Medina, there are plenty of restaurants to try too[/caption]

Rated restaurant

For traditional Moroccan dishes in a charming setting, head to Safran By Koya, a short walk from the Koutoubia mosque. It can be pricey but nails the classics.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to tajines – perhaps the tastiest is the slowcooked lamb one with caramelised dates and prunes (around £50).

For something a bit more lively, head to Le Azar which has live oriental music and belly dancers from Thursday to Saturday.

Tuck into mezze sharing dishes of lemon hummus, spit-roasted chawarma and freshly baked bread with dips.

Best bar

The boutique El Fenn hotel has a charming rooftop with red-striped cushions and heavily patterned sun loungers that are perfect for relaxing on while soaking up the rays and views of the Koutoubia mosque.

You can’t reserve a spot so arrive early. Sip on cocktails like the Marrakech Negroni made with spice-infused vermouth, Campari and gin.

Best hotels

Stay in Le Riad Berbere Marrakech, a very affordable and sweet little boutique hotel, north of the city centre.

Rooms are simple yet characterful with marble floors and huge tubs – some also have patios where you can spend tranquil mornings with a cuppa.

You’ll have many top attractions nearby including the Jardin Majorelle, which is a 25-minute stroll.

Rooms cost from £84 per night. See leriadberbere.hotels-marrakesh.com.

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Marrakech is a great location for an April break[/caption]

DREAMLAND in Margate is introducing all-day wristbands, giving families endless access to rides for the first time ever.

The seaside theme park first opened in 1920 and is home to the oldest surviving wooden roller coaster in the UK.

Jason Pay

Alamy

The seaside theme park is home to the Scenic Railway, the oldest wooden rollercoaster in the UK[/caption]

Located in trendy Margate, the seaside amusement park is getting ready to reopen for its summer season next month.

For its 2025 season, Dreamland is introducing all-day wristbands that give park-goers endless access to the park’s rides.

Park-goers can either purchase a Mega ride wristband for £24.99, which covers entry to all theme park rides.

Meanwhile, for younger visitors a Tiny Tots wristband will also be new for 2025.

Costing £12.99, it will give younger park-goers endless access to the theme park’s smaller rides.

Visitors who don’t want to go on every ride can still purchase Standard Ride Tokens.

Standard Ride Tokens are £3 each or a bundle of 20 can be purchased for £40, with each ride requiring one token.

This means Mega Ride and Tiny Tots wristbands would cost a family of four, with two young children, £75.96.

The unlimited wristbands work out cheaper than if a family of four each rode ten rides at the amusement park, which would cost £80.

Dreamland is free to enter, making it ideal for those family members who aren’t after stomach-churning or adrenaline-inducing rides.

The 105-year-old theme park is home to up to 20 rides, including the Scenic Railway, which is one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters in the UK.

Other rides include the Big Wheel – a huge Ferris Wheel with views overlooking the coastline.

There’s also a vintage carousel called Gallopers, dodgems and a waltzer.

Adrenaline-inducing rides at Dreamland include Pendulum, Air Force and Turbo.

Other attractions include a Helter Skelter, a mirror maze and spinning tea cups.

There’s also the Roller Room that’s going to feature a series of incredible new Free Roam VR Games for the very first time, with games costing £15 per person.

Free screenings of films and vintage cartoons will also be taking place on the Scenic Stage Screen throughout 2025.

Musicians like The Libertines, Supergrass, The Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter and Maribou State are slated to perform on the Scenic Stage at Dreamland throughout the year.

DREAMLAND

The 105-year-old theme park is home to up to 20 rides, including a vintage carousel[/caption]

Boss of Dreamland, Eddie Kemsley, said: “What a jam-packed season we’ve got planned for 2025 – which is only fitting for our 105th Birthday and 10yr anniversary of reopening.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to enjoy the season with us, from incredible music events to traditional seaside fun with rides, food, ice cream and seagulls – it’s going to be great.”

Dreamland will reopen on April 5 for the Easter Holidays.

After April 21, the seaside amusement park will open during the weekends and school holidays until the summer season.

Dreamland has been praised by visitors in online reviews, with one person writing: “We really enjoyed some traditional rides such as the dodgems and the big wheel, along with the ghost train.”

Here are five great indoor theme parks and adventure parks in the UK.

And this is the latest on the new Universal theme park hoping to open in Bedfordshire.

Dreamland

The new wristbands give park-goers endless access to the park’s rides[/caption]

@gjheming

Dreamland will reopen on April 5 for the Easter Holidays[/caption]

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