Now that we’re heading into fourth month of lockdown, games nights have started to edge a little on the tedious side for many Brits.
It feels like we’ve been in lockdown for an eternity at this point, right?
Whilst we’ve certainly (somewhat) adjusted to the ‘new normal’, that doesn’t mean we aren’t still feeling the boredom a little bit. Maybe more in some cases. If you’ve had a go at just about every game and activity going over these last few months and you’re looking for something to shake things up at bit, then you need look no further.
We’ve found a “family-friendly” game on Amazon that potentially looks about as brutal as game nights can get.
Throw Trow Burrito is “the world’s first dodgeball card game” and to be honest, it’s a pretty niche concept, so that’s not really that hard to believe.
It’s said to be “a delightful mixture of cleverness and agility – like Uno meets Nerf”.
Amazon / Exploding Kittens
According to the product description on Amazon, the aim of the game is to “collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging, and throwing squishy airborne burritos.”
“The cards you collect earn points, but getting hit by flying burritos loses them.”
In order to win, you’ll need to “rack up points by finding sets of three in the deck”, “find matches before anyone else does”, “steal points from your opponents by hitting them with squishy foam burritos and “declare war on your friends, brawl it out with a neighbour, or duel to determine the winner.”
The game is suitable for ages 7+ and is designed for 2-6 players, making it lockdown get-together friendly.
It’s also important to add that the burritos are “soft enough to throw at your great-great Auntie Marlene without having to feel guilty”, which is really good to know.
Amazon / Exploding Kittens
It’s retailing on Amazon at £24.99 + postage/packaging and has hundreds of positive reviews from plenty of satisfied customers during lockdown, so if you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth the buy or not, have a read of a few of those to help make you’re mind up.
It’s listed as an Amazon’s Choice product and is also eligible for Amazon Prime delivery perks too for those subscribed to the service.
Apparently, it’s one of the most gifted products on Amazon from over the last few months, so it must be good.
If you’re up for a games night that’s truly like no other, then you can get Throw Throw Burritofrom Amazon here.
News
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”
Emily Sergeant -
26th June 2020 
