Latest news with #TangoIceBlast
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Where to find your nearest Tango Ice Blast to survive the heatwave
The UK is enjoying (or suffering through) a heatwave, and we're all doing our best to keep cool. But when opening every window in your house won't cut it, and the office air conditioning is on the blink, there's only one thing for it: a cheeky Tango Ice Blast. Our favourite cinema drink, which comes in flavours including strawberry and kiwi, lemon, orange, and even bubblegum has a special place in the nation's heart. The popular flavour combination of blue raspberry and cherry is even jokingly touted as the 'drink of the bisexuals' for resembling the colours of the purple, pink and blue flag. It is Pride Month, after all. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan also once declared the drink to be 'unadulterated joy', and dreamt of having his very own machine at home. Fair enough, Romesh. For all those hoping to enjoy a deliciously tangy Ice Blast without shelling out for a film ticket, we bring good news: it isn't just cinemas that sell them… Tango have got this firmly covered, as there's a map on the website with every single Ice Blast location in the UK pinned. There are cinemas, supermarkets, service stations and dessert shops – and there's even an option for companies to apply for a machine on the Tango website. If you can't bear the thought of going outside, Just Eat also delivers them. Simply type in your postcode on the website, et voilà. Sugary, icy goodness at your fingertips. Earlier this year, various supermarkets and stores, including B&M, Nisa, Spar, Co-op, Iceland, and Home Bargains, launched a ready-to-drink version of the Tango Ice Blast. At budget retailers B&M, Iceland, and Home Bargains, the drinks cost £3.35 per two-litre bottle. While that might sound a little bit steep (it also won't be icy), it comes in the same tangy flavours die-hard fans know and love: cherry and raspberry – and is considerably cheaper than the £9 some cinema goers have previously reported paying for one drink. In the r/Britishproblems Subreddit, @FloatingPencil previously suggested that 'as soon as it's warm, every Tango Ice Blast and McD's milkshake machine within 10 miles stops working.' After all, don't we all just want an icy drink to get us through? More Trending 'Blew my mind when I found out an off-licence near me had an Ice Blast machine just chilling at the back,' @DanHero91 added. '£3 instead of the monstrous cinema prices.' @itshippyzoe confessed that they were in 'dire need' of a Tango Ice Blast during a previous heatwave. Since it was 'killing' them at the time, a serving of icy goodness seemed their only way of respite. View More » 'There's nothing stopping you from buying foodstuff at the cinema, you don't have to see a film to buy them,' @Fatso666 reckoned in the comments, while @SquareBev joked that 'Blackpool Pleasure Beach might be your only hope' of finding one. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Does drinking alcohol in the sun really get you drunk faster? A doctor shares their verdict MORE: Discontinued Marmite product dubbed 'food of the gods' finally returns to supermarkets MORE: UK heat health warning upgraded to amber with temperatures set to hit 33°C Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
How sinister armed gangs are selling KIDS vapes spiked with deadly zombie spice drug on Snapchat
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AT 6am, officers from Greater Manchester Police burst through the door of the red-brick house. Shouts of 'Police!' echo through the quiet street as they enter the property, searching for the man they suspect of selling deadly vapes to kids via phone app Snapchat. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Ash Griffiths, 14, collapsed after puffing on a vape laced with zombie drug spice earlier this month Credit: Dan Griffiths 9 Synthetic cannabis in sweetie-style packs to entice kids - and a lethal-looking blade Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media 9 Weapons and drugs seized in Greater Manchester raids Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media They find Omar Abu-Sharkh, 20, at home in Moorside, Oldham — thousands of e-cigs, empty refill bottles and five-litre vats of lethal synthetic drug spice littering the house, along with a machete. He is cuffed, read his rights and bundled into a police van. Cops are hopeful they have smashed the operation. But hours later, the dangerous vapes — touted as containing THC, the psychoactive substance found in cannabis — are for sale again online, tempting kids with popular Tango Ice Blast and Haribo flavours, plus refill vials as big as 200ml. The terrifying truth, however, is that these e-cig liquids have been mixed with something even more volatile than THC. Crooks have added in dangerous zombie drug spice — imported in bulk from China — which can hospitalise smokers after just one puff. 'We are watching' Callous dealers often target kids with popular flavours, and experts fear children will die if they buy a vape containing the potentially deadly chemical mix. Police resume their search for the crooks operating the Snapchat channel and, three warrants later, thanks to the dedicated work of two specially trained digital officers, they find the first suspect's accomplices and shut it down for good. Team leader Detective Sergeant John Schofield told The Sun: 'While we can't say they were deliberately targeting teens, the nature of the packaging, brands, flavours, and use of Snapchat all attract a younger customer. 'For example, Tango Ice Blast flavour is what you'd get your kids at the cinema for a slushy. They were actively choosing flavours that are popular with children. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked 'These online criminals think they're not being noticed as much because they are not out on the street dealing. 'They can just run it from their bedroom, so they don't feel as visible. 'They've got a certain amount of arrogance, but we are watching — and we do find them.' These online criminals think they're not being noticed as much because they are not out on the street dealing Detective Sergeant John Schofield At court in March this year, Abu-Sharkh pleaded guilty to supplying class B drugs THC and synthetic cannabinoids. Qais Rasul, 20, and Mohammed Jalal Aftab, 20, both also from Oldham, admitted the same crimes. During one of the raids, Sufiaan Ali, 20, of Oldham, hurled a missile. He later pleaded guilty to possession of a readily convertible firearm as well as the drugs charge. All four men are due to be sentenced next week at Manchester crown court. Dan Griffiths, 40, from South Shields, has seen first-hand the damage spice vapes can cause after his 14-year-old son Ash smoked one earlier this month — and collapsed. 'Ash had no idea what was in it,' Dan revealed. 'After a couple of puffs, he collapsed, and his friends were standing there laughing at his reaction. 'Thankfully, a passing nurse saw it and called an ambulance. 'I ran across the estate to get to him. I was worried out of my mind. 'Seeing Ash pass out in the back of the ambulance left me terrified. I had no idea what would happen. 'Since then, he's had six seizures, and we're constantly in and out of the hospital. It's changed his life forever.' 9 Detective Sergeant John Schofield with vials of synthetic cannabis Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media 9 A man slumped in the streets - showing the signs of taking spice Credit: Alamy 9 Since smoking a spiked vape, Ash has suffered six seizures and now faces a life changed forever Credit: NNP Dealers go to great lengths to meddle with the ingredients in legitimate vapes. The Manchester gang were opening e-cig liquids, removing some, then topping them up to full using spice from China. Other vape bottles they made up themselves with a mix of legitimate liquid and the imported contraband. In a bid to keep their profits out of police hands, Aftab and Ali swapped cash into gold bars and hid them in safety deposit boxes, which cops need an extra warrant to access. Fellow crook Abu-Sharkh had gold coins at home to protect his earnings from the criminal enterprise. Spice is a group name for synthetic cannabinoids, which are meant to mimic the effects of THC, but are far more addictive and dangerous. It has been known to cause psychosis, loss of movement, vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes seizures. Last year, researchers from Bath University found one in six vapes confiscated in schools was laced with spice, which can cause heart attacks, seizures and psychotic episodes. They tested 596 vapes confiscated from schools in England. Professor Chris Pudney, who carried out the research, said: 'You find spice in three places — prisons, homeless communities and schools. 'They all share the characteristics of having vulnerable people in their population.' On the haul found by Greater Manchester Police, Prof Pudney added: 'If you search for THC vapes on Instagram or TikTok, you will see the same kinds of images. The thing I have not seen before is the labelling with the 'flavours'. 'It points to a development in the distribution strategy and, as already noted, towards a younger age group.' The study also found only one in 100 vapes contained THC. 'Collapse at school' Genuine THC vapes will smell like cannabis and have a gel-like consistency, instead of being odourless and water-like. Spiked vapes have caused hundreds of teens across the country to collapse, with many not realising that they are smoking synthetic cannabinoids, zombie drug spice or, in rare cases, the opioid fentanyl. Ben Davies, the headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford, has witnessed the havoc that illegally doctored vapes can cause in teenagers attending his school. Spice is neurotoxic and can often lead to seizures. It also can have profound effects on the heart... even in young, fit people Helen Wall, GP 'We've seen kids being given what they think is an innocent, over- the-counter vape, and it contains synthetic cannabinoids or something else,' Ben said. 'Illegal vaping itself is a worry, but with the spiked vapes, we've had children collapse at school and had to call the ambulance. We've had hallucinations, dissociation, collapse, palpitations, all those sorts of things. 'There are symptoms that are sometimes similar to a panic attack, but they are much more severe. 'What troubles me is how easily the children can get access to these vapes, often in some really sinister ways. And we have no idea what is in any of the vapes either — there's no way to really know.' Explaining why spice is dangerous for children and teenagers to use, GP Helen Wall said: 'Spice can cause severe anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. Psychosis can often occur, leading to violence and risk-taking behaviour. 'Spice is neurotoxic and can often lead to seizures. It also can have profound effects on the heart. Heart rate can be elevated, leading to high blood pressure, chest pain and heart attacks, even in young, fit people. 'Sudden cardiac death has been linked to spice. 'Kidneys can fail and your liver can become impaired, often due to chemicals in the spice that are unknown. Those with asthma may have an attack and become severely breathless. 'Despite all of these nasty effects, individuals quickly gain psychological and physical dependence on the drug — more so than with cannabis. The withdrawal symptoms can be profound. 'Teens getting into spice are more likely to drop out of school, fail exams, become socially isolated and get involved in violent and risk-taking behaviours. 'Teenage brains are still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control. 'Spice interferes with this process, potentially leading to long-term thought and emotional consequences.' 9 Crooks Omar Abu-Sharkh and Qais Rasul, both 20 9 Drug criminals Jalal Aftab and Sufiaan Ali, both 20 9 Cops warn that children buying vapes can have no idea what is in the product Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
How sinister armed gangs are selling KIDS vapes spiked with deadly zombie spice drug on Snapchat
AT 6am, officers from Greater Manchester Police burst through the door of the red-brick house. Shouts of 'Police!' echo through the quiet street as they enter the property, searching for the man they suspect of selling deadly vapes to kids via phone app Snapchat. Advertisement 9 Ash Griffiths, 14, collapsed after puffing on a vape laced with zombie drug spice earlier this month Credit: Dan Griffiths 9 Synthetic cannabis in sweetie-style packs to entice kids - and a lethal-looking blade Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media 9 Weapons and drugs seized in Greater Manchester raids Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media They find Omar Abu-Sharkh, 20, at home in Moorside, Oldham — thousands of e-cigs, empty refill bottles and five-litre vats of lethal synthetic drug spice littering the house, along with a machete. He is cuffed, read his rights and bundled into a police van. Cops are hopeful they have smashed the operation. But hours later, the dangerous vapes — touted as containing THC, the psychoactive substance found in cannabis — are for sale again online, tempting kids with popular Tango Ice Blast and Haribo flavours, plus refill vials as big as 200ml. Advertisement The terrifying truth, however, is that these 'We are watching' Callous dealers often target kids with popular flavours, and experts fear children will die if they buy a vape containing the potentially deadly chemical mix. Police resume their search for the crooks operating the Snapchat channel and, three warrants later, thanks to the dedicated work of two specially trained digital officers, they find the first suspect's accomplices and shut it down for good. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking Team leader Detective Sergeant John Schofield told The Sun: 'While we can't say they were deliberately targeting teens, the nature of the packaging, brands, flavours, and use of Snapchat all attract a younger customer. 'For example, Tango Ice Blast flavour is what you'd get your kids at the cinema for a slushy. They were actively choosing flavours that are popular with children. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked 'These online criminals think they're not being noticed as much because they are not out on the street dealing. 'They can just run it from their bedroom, so they don't feel as visible. Advertisement 'They've got a certain amount of arrogance, but we are watching — and we do find them.' These online criminals think they're not being noticed as much because they are not out on the street dealing Detective Sergeant John Schofield At court in March this year, Abu-Sharkh pleaded guilty to supplying class B drugs THC and synthetic cannabinoids. Qais Rasul, 20, and Mohammed Jalal Aftab, 20, both also from Oldham, admitted the same crimes. During one of the raids, Sufiaan Ali, 20, of Oldham, hurled a missile. Advertisement He later pleaded guilty to possession of a readily convertible firearm as well as the drugs charge. All four men are due to be sentenced next week at Manchester crown court. Dan Griffiths, 40, from South Shields, has seen first-hand the damage spice vapes can cause after his 14-year-old son Ash smoked one earlier this month — and collapsed. 'Ash had no idea what was in it,' Dan revealed. 'After a couple of puffs, he collapsed, and his friends were standing there laughing at his reaction. 'Thankfully, a passing nurse saw it and called an ambulance. Advertisement 'I ran across the estate to get to him. I was worried out of my mind. 'Seeing Ash pass out in the back of the ambulance left me terrified. I had no idea what would happen. 'Since then, he's had six seizures, and we're constantly in and out of the hospital. It's changed his life forever.' 9 Detective Sergeant John Schofield with vials of synthetic cannabis Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvin Media Advertisement 9 A man slumped in the streets - showing the signs of taking spice Credit: Alamy 9 Since smoking a spiked vape, Ash has suffered six seizures and now faces a life changed forever Credit: NNP Dealers go to great lengths to meddle with the ingredients in legitimate vapes. The Manchester gang were opening e-cig liquids, removing some, then topping them up to full using spice from China. Other vape bottles they made up themselves with a mix of legitimate liquid and the imported contraband. Advertisement In a bid to keep their profits out of police hands, Aftab and Ali swapped cash into gold bars and hid them in safety deposit boxes, which cops need an extra warrant to access. Fellow crook Abu-Sharkh had gold coins at home to protect his earnings from the criminal enterprise. Spice is a group name for Last year, researchers from Bath University found one in six vapes confiscated in schools was laced with spice, which can cause heart attacks, seizures and psychotic episodes. Advertisement They tested 596 vapes confiscated from schools in England. Professor Chris Pudney, who carried out the research, said: 'You find spice in three places — prisons, homeless communities and schools. 'They all share the characteristics of having vulnerable people in their population.' On the haul found by Greater Manchester Police, Prof Pudney added: 'If you search for THC vapes on Instagram or TikTok, you will see the same kinds of images. The thing I have not seen before is the labelling with the 'flavours'. Advertisement 'It points to a development in the distribution strategy and, as already noted, towards a younger age group.' The study also found only one in 100 vapes contained THC. 'Collapse at school' Genuine THC vapes will smell like cannabis and have a gel-like consistency, instead of being odourless and water-like. Spiked vapes have caused hundreds of teens across the country to collapse, with many not realising that they are Advertisement Ben Davies , the headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford, has witnessed the havoc that illegally doctored vapes can cause in teenagers attending his school. Spice is neurotoxic and can often lead to seizures. It also can have profound effects on the heart... even in young, fit people Helen Wall, GP 'We've seen kids being given what they think is an innocent, over- the-counter vape, and it contains synthetic cannabinoids or something else,' Ben said. 'Illegal vaping itself is a worry, but with the spiked vapes, we've had children collapse at school and had to call the ambulance. We've had hallucinations, dissociation, collapse, palpitations, all those sorts of things. 'There are symptoms that are sometimes similar to a panic attack, but they are much more severe. Advertisement 'What troubles me is how easily the children can get access to these vapes, often in some really sinister ways. And we have no idea what is in any of the vapes either — there's no way to really know.' Explaining why spice is dangerous for children and teenagers to use, GP Helen Wall said: 'Spice can cause severe anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. Psychosis can often occur, leading to violence and risk-taking behaviour. 'Spice is neurotoxic and can often lead to seizures. It also can have profound effects on the heart. Heart rate can be elevated, leading to high blood pressure, chest pain and heart attacks, even in young, fit people. 'Sudden cardiac death has been linked to spice. Advertisement ' 'Despite all of these nasty effects, individuals quickly gain psychological and physical dependence on the drug — more so than with cannabis. The withdrawal symptoms can be profound. 'Teens getting into spice are more likely to drop out of school, fail exams, become socially isolated and get involved in violent and risk-taking behaviours. Read more on the Irish Sun 'Teenage brains are still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control. Advertisement 'Spice interferes with this process, potentially leading to long-term thought and emotional consequences.' 9 Crooks Omar Abu-Sharkh and Qais Rasul, both 20 9 Drug criminals Jalal Aftab and Sufiaan Ali, both 20 9 Cops warn that children buying vapes can have no idea what is in the product Credit: Getty Advertisement What are the new vape laws? Ministers have pledged to crackdown on poorly regulated vapes and e-cigarettes following an explosion in the number of teenagers who use them. New rules for manufacturers and shopkeepers are expected to come into force in 2025. They are set to include: Higher tax rates paid on vapes increase the price and make it harder for children to afford them A ban on single-use vapes in favour of devices that can be recharged A ban on colourful and cartoonish packaging that may appeal to youngsters Tighter controls on flavourings and a ban on unnecessarily sweet or child-friendly ones like bubblegum and candy More regulation on how and where they are displayed in shops, potentially putting them out of sight Harsher penalties for shops caught selling them to under-18s The ban on disposable vapes is part of ambitious government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping. A report published by Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) found 20.5 per cent of children in the UK had tried vaping in 2023, up from 15.8 per cent in 2022 and 13.9 per cent in 2020.
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I tried Blackpool Pleasure Beach's newest ride - it's not for the timid'
The UK's favourite amusement park has had a big new addition to its line-up this week, as one of its iconic attractions was officially unveiled with a new look - and a brand new name It's been a bumper year for UK theme parks, with Universal Studios announcing its arrival and major new attractions popping up at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Closer to Greater Manchester, Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort has also been making waves, particularly this week with the grand reveal of its revamped and rebranded Launch Pad. I was among the first to test the ride on Wednesday morning (May 7), just hours before it officially opened its doors to the public, writes the Manchester Evening News's Adam Maidment. It's a heart-pounding adrenaline rush as riders are catapulted 210ft into the air at a blistering 80mph. READ MORE: 'Gorgeous' £9 body spray perfume 'just as good if not better than Sol de Janeiro' A word of advice - keep breakfast light before hopping on. If you're a regular at Pleasure Beach Resort, you might already be acquainted with Launch Pad, albeit under a different guise. Since its debut in 1997, it's gone through several name changes - starting life as Playstation: The Ride and later becoming known as Tango Ice Blast and then simply Ice Blast. But 28 years after its initial unveiling, bosses told me on opening day that it's been given a 'new lease of life'. In fact, it's undergone such a transformation that it's best considered a brand new ride. There's a fresh theme, vibrant new colours, a catchy new soundtrack and even a new cylinder. Diving into the mechanics without getting bogged down in jargon, the thrill of the ride is largely due to the pressure cylinder operating at a whopping 105 PSI, exerting a force of 105 pounds. Karl Murphy, Pleasure Beach Resort's engineering director, has previously remarked: "We've increased the force, which means the acceleration is greater." As someone who'd never experienced the ride's earlier incarnations, I was essentially going in blind, save for the anticipation of being catapulted skywards. Its longstanding popularity hinted at an extraordinary experience awaiting. The ride's space theme is a perfect match, easily conjuring images of being aboard a rocket about to blast off. A brief countdown from mission control and suddenly, it's lift-off time. The immediate surge of speed is electrifying, prompting involuntary shouts of excitement (or terror). The sensation of the G-force is palpable, offering a taste of astronaut life without leaving Earth. And if you manage to regain your composure while suspended 210ft high, do take a moment to appreciate Blackpool's beauty on a clear day – the sandy stretches, the iconic Tower, and the expansive views are truly breathtaking. The new attraction may be brief, but it is so engaging that you'll likely fancy multiple rides if the queues are manageable. Beyond Launch Pad, visitors can enjoy other attractions such as Valhalla, previously crowned the best water ride in Europe, and the legendary The Big One roller coaster which, at 213 feet tall, has endured admirably for 31 years. Pleasure Beach Resort recently refreshed Valhalla two years ago - a move that has seen it reclaim its title as the best water ride in Europe - and is maintaining its momentum by updating classic attractions, with River Caves next in line. At the Launch Pad debut gathering, Pleasure Beach Resort CEO Amanda Thompson OBE underscored the significance of these revitalisations: "Re-imaginings like this one are fantastic for our industry. Not only do they create a new and incredibly powerful ride experience, they're sustainable, and they allow us to re-invent beloved attractions for generations to come." Even to newcomers who missed the ride's earlier versions, the care and investment poured into reimagining Launch Pad is evident; the attraction has been reborn with abundant new features that almost render it a brand-new experience. Pleasure Beach Resort is certainly pulling out all the stops to maintain its standing as one of the top theme parks in the UK, and perhaps even further afield. They're also gearing up to unveil a brand-new Gyro Swing next year, with a hefty price tag of £8.72m, set to be the largest of its kind on these shores. You'd do well to add Launch Pad to your itinerary for your next jaunt to Pleasure Beach Resort - it's sure to sweep away the cobwebs.
