Whether you love it or hate it April Fools' day is regarded as funniest day of the year with hours of practical jokes to keep us all entertained.
This year saw plenty of people taking the opportunity to play pranks on their mates.
As well as cheeky practical jokes, the day is also known for its tongue-in-cheek news stories and companies launching bizarre new products.
Last year's efforts included Prince Harry's spiritual stag do and Burger King's chocolate whopper.
This year we had Britain being forced out of Eurovision and poo emjois to be put on our 50p coins.
Read below for a live round-up of all the best April Fools' Day pranks - if you have a suggestion email webnews@mirror.co.uk
Fulham joins in on April Fool's Day action - and it backfires spectacularly
Fulham FC got involved in April Fool’s Day banter by saying it would become the first club to use double-digits.
The caption read: “We’re delighted to confirm that FFC are set to become the first side in Premier League history to adopt double-digits on every shirt.”
Fans of the relegation-threatened side, which lies 19th in the Premier League table, struggled to see the funny side.
One supporter said: “Whole season has been an April Fools joke.”
Another said: “About 01 out of 10.”
Australia unveils leopard-print koalas
Australia’s own Twitter account has revealed this unusual fact about young koalas.
Apparently some joeys are born with this fabulous leopard print fur, making them the envy of their peers.
And if you believe that, you’ll believe anything.
Outdoors retailer offers jars of fresh air for £24.99
An outdoor lifestyle retailer is launching jars of fresh air perfect for couch potatoes who would simply rather be inside.
Costing £24.99, the jars come in either Farmyard Bliss, Spring Fertiliser or the latest edition, Morning Tent.
A spokesperson for Blacks Outdoors said: “The scent filled jars allow shoppers to turn their desk into a meadow, their home into a hillside and the office into open fields.
“Using the innovative Jar® technology, capture the scent of adventure to enjoy when spending time cooped up indoors.”
Unconfirmed reports Black OUrdoors is working on a range of left-handed tent peg hammers.
McDonald's introduces new McPickle Burger
Pickle-haters, look away now...
McDonald’s in Australia has taken flak for announcing the introduction of the new McPickle Burger to its menu.
This culinary abomination is essentially a Big Mac but with a layer of pickles in place of meat patties.
And It’s safe to say that Macca’s fans are not happy.
‘Even though it’s an [April Fools], this is still disgusting to even think about,’ one person said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvr3W-AjUWd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Teacher's cruel April Fool's prank on students
A Year 3 primary school teacher played the ultimate prank on her students by handing them a word search with non-existent words.
Pictures show her young students scouring for clues seemingly unaware that today is the dreaded April 1st. Lesson learned.
Royal Albert Hall announces details of 'The Great Rotation'
One of Britain’s most iconic venues has announced plans that it will be rotated 180° in a project being dubbed ‘The Great Rotation’.
The Royal Albert Hall is undertaking the ambitious building project ahead of its 150th anniversary next year.
Emily North, South Porch Manager, said: “Our north-facing north entrance will simply become the south-facing north entrance.
“Likewise our east-facing east entrance will become west-facing, with what was the east entrance now being occupied by an east-facing west entrance, which was formerly west-facing.
“We feel that by keeping these entrance names consistent it will make things much easier for visitors”
Cambridge University 'voice activated' vending machine prank
A Cambridge University student took some time off from studying to play this prank on unwitting colleagues.
You have to wonder how many people were caught out asking for a “large number two” with this “voice activated” coffee vending machine before realising their mistake.
Weston-super-Mare inflatable slide allows visitors to bathe in mud
If you’re looking for a fun getaway to the Great British Seaside this summer then look no further than Weston-super-Mare.
A new spa has been promised for the Somerset town after a giant inflatable slide was attached to the its famous Grand Pier.
The attraction will allow visitors to bathe themselves in “rejuvenating” mud that sits at the bottom of the jetty, the Weston Mercury reports.
The pier’s owner Michelle Michael said: “We thought it was time to embrace and make the most of this natural resource, which has proven physical, cosmetic and spiritual benefits.”
“For many years, people have poked fun at the resort, nicknaming it Weston-super-Mud because of what’s left behind when the tide goes out.
“Of course, the pier has been the source of much fun over the years we think this facility can help give the town a new lease of life as a natural spa resort.”
Walkers Shortbread Launches Limited Edition 'Tallbread Feet'
First Cadbury Creme Egg mayonaise, now Walker’s “Tallbread” biscuits (I think a snack-themed April Fool’s Day is starting to emerge here).
This innovative take on the tea-time classic is obviously aimed at those who have always thought that their shortbread fingers were simply too short.
Measuring 30cm, the Tallbread feet are three times longer than the original and will enure “even the loftiest of biscuit lovers are left satisfied.”
Duolingo launches new features to stop users missing lessons
Everyone needs a friendly reminder to study now and again but this is pushing it.
Language learning app Duolinguo has launched Duolinguo Push, a new feature to stop users ever missing a lesson.
The company’s famous green owl will make a somewhat terrifying appearance at your location wherever you are in the world.
“Never miss a day of language practise again with Duolingo’s new, in-person notifications can find you wherever you are. Ignore at your own risk.
“We’re taking push notifications out of your phone and into the real world! Duo the Owl will literally show up to remind you to practise. It’s the green-glove treatment you’ve always wanted.”
Red Arrow flies under Devon pier to advertise air show
Great spot here from our colleagues at Devon Live...
A Red Arrow was seen zooming UNDER underneath a wooden pier to make a dramatic announcement about the 2019 Torbay Airshow.
Welsh pilot Squadron Leader Ebrill yn Gyntaf took his scarlet Hawk jet to within a few feet of the sand and shot beneath one of the spans of the historic Paignton Pier at more than 300mph.
The extraordinary image was captured by Torbay photographer Roger Yersin.
Half-and-half Manchester football jerseys launched to stop Liverpool from winning Premier League
They may be the fiercest of rivals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t support both Manchester clubs, right?
These half-and-half Manchester jerseys have been launched by The Sportsman in a bid to stop Liverpool from lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time since 1990.
The unique kit features the crests, colours and sponsors from both Manchester City and Manchester United and is in response to overwhelming demand from football fans in the city and across the globe.
A spokesman for The Sportsman said: “After speaking with a lot of football fans in Manchester this year we were shocked by the huge consensus of City and United supporters who would rather see their cross-town rivals succeed than Liverpool become Champions.
“So we thought the natural solution was to create this fashionable limited edition kit as we believe it is the perfect thing to wear for the Manchester derby on 24th April where both fans can join together in stopping the title going to Anfield.
Best April Fool's Day pranks and jokes to play on your pals
April Fool’s Day is the one day of the year where we all agree it’s perfectly ok for us to be completely cruel and pull pranks on those we love the most.
Even better, we get away with said pranks because of a weird ancient tradition, and we all know you don’t mess with those.
We’ve rounded up a few of the best pranks for you to have a go at - just remember doing any of these after midday on April 1 is against the rules.
Also, if you’re not sure a colleague will see the funny side, it’s probably best not to bother.
If you’re looking to have a laugh at someone else’s expense, you could do worse than to try these out.
Just don’t come crying to us if you lose your job/partner/get kicked out of the house/get pranked back.
Here are 20 best pranks for April Fool’s Day...
BBC reminds us of great Grandstand April Fool's prank
BBC Sport has taken to Twitter to remind us of one of the greatest April Fool’s pranks of them all.
Back in 1989, a mass brawl broke out in the background of the Grandstand studio, prompting apologies from host Des Lynam who plays the gag to perfection.
Certainly had us fooled.
Superfan 'to ride in the Grand National'
Remember Manchester United superfan Andy Tate?
Famed for wanting to ‘Give it Giggsy’ for the rest of the season, Tate has now set his career aspirations in the equine industry.
He’s set to complete his jockey training this weekend by competing in a horse race at Aintree.
Riding out of trainer Lawney Hill’s yard in Oxfordshire, Tate has been in training for a number of months to compete in the National.
Tate has been gradually learning the ropes alongside tutor Nick Scholfield, who will also be competing at Aintree.
Being put through his paces in a gruelling fitness regime, Tate has had to adapt his diet and exercise in able to compete with the world’s top jockeys.
Never mind prawn sandwiches, Tate is now living solely off one meal per day, consisting of a chicken salad and croutons.
Oddschecker caught the exact moment that Tate found out he was going to be competing at the world famous track this weekend.
Yorkshire Tea launches new spreadable tea
And if Mayonaise Creme Egg spread wasn’t enticing enough - what about this spreadable from Yorkshire Tea?
Now you can enjoy your builders’ on a slice of toast as you gulp down a mug of tea for your breakfast.
Jokes aside, this one looks delicious.
Heinz and Cadbury’s launch special Creme Egg Mayo for Easter
It’s fair to say Cadbury Creme Eggs have a “love them or hate them” reputation, so this product mash-up is a bit of a risk.
Heinz and Cadbury’s have launched the The Heinz [Seriously] Cadbury Creme Egg Mayo just in time for Easter - and assure us this one is absolutely REAL.
They say the creation is a “scrumptious, moreish spread, which is irresistible dolloped onto waffles or crumpets.”
A spokesperson said: ““We have had so much fun creating this unique Creme Egg mayo for Easter with our friends over at Cadbury - we absolutely cannot wait for people to try it. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before - a true taste sensation!”
Sainsbury's launches UK's first pink avocado
Sainsbury’s is launching the UK’s first ever pink avocados - and says they are going to “guac” your world.
The supermarket says it has worked closely with growers in Peru to bring the Rosa-vo to the UK which is aimed at hungry millennials.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We’re always on the lookout for the latest foodie trends. Whilst we know Sainsbury’s customers are loyal devotees to the iconic brunch dish, we felt it was about time the humble avo-toast was given a bit of a refresh and social-specific makeover. The crop is foolishly delicious and we can’t wait to see how our customers react this April.”
Special EU licence needed to wear Breton top
Breton tops - popular amongst hipsters and under-12s alike - has fallen foul of Brexit.
Those owning Breton tops will now need a special EU licence to wear one, according to reports.
Any stripe-wearing Brit found flouting the rules could face a €1000 fine or even a stretch in prison.
Boden, the company that made Breton tops famous in the UK, are offering a thoughtful solution to customers: a Breton stripe removal service.
The complimentary postal service erases illegal stripes by screen-printing, a technique the company calls ‘the Bret-off’.
Johnnie Boden, Boden’s Founder, said: “We are committed to maintaining our unrivalled level of customer service, and want to ensure we limit the disappointment during this time. We will therefore be offering a stripe-removal service, free of charge, for all Boden Breton owners.”
Brexit is the butt of the joke among UK newspapers
British media outlets have kept up the April Fool’s tradition with plenty of satirical headlines on the news.
And trying to work out what is and what isn’t an April Fools’ joke is more difficult this year than most.
Brexit, in particular, has been the butt of the joke with some unable to tell reality from fiction
Here’s a round-up of the the best April 1 pranks from today.
Cambridge Police adds drug-sniffing rabbit to its force
Police forces across the UK have used April Fool’s to tell the public about their fearsome new crime-fighting initiatives.
Surrey Police says it will give pink dusters to its officers in order to help dust down CCTV equipment.
Now Cambridge Special constabulary has announced it has a very special addition to its force, a drug sniffing rabbit called Benni.
Mr Potato Head to be replaced by health-conscious rival Mr Avo Head
Mr Potato Head is getting a makeover in a bid to boost his appeal to health-conscious millennials.
The popular toy will now be replaced in favour of a new star: Mr Avo Head.
Mr Avo Head, will sport a man bun and well-groomed beard, trendy sneakers, skinny jeans and will be making an appearance at vegan hotspots all around London.
Free beer prescriptions to be made available on NHS
Older generations will no doubt remember when a pint of Guinness was given to blood donors in order to help boost their iron levels.
Now the black stuff will now be made available on the NHS to rundown Brits in need of a pick me up, the Daily Star reports.
Doctors will offer prescriptions to those suffering from anaemia, insomnia, or tiredness.
Conservative MP for Lichfield and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury Michael Fabricant told the paper “They used to say ‘Guinness is Good for You’. I’m told that nowadays the NHS will not supply it in a pint glass but as an intravenous drip.”
Cricket to replace coin toss with Twitter poll
Sports teams are also getting in on the April Fool’s Day action.
The ICC says it will replace the traditional coin toss with a more modern way to decide who bats first: Twitter polls.
Cricketers will also wear their Twitter handle on the back of their kits in a bid to boost engagement with younger fans.
Holyhead to get a touch of Tinseltown with 100ft Hollywood-style sign
One has bright lights, big stars and thousands of visitors every year.
The other is Hollywood.
Our pals at North Wales Live report that Anglesey’s Holyhead could soon have its own version of one of the world’s best known landmarks as tourism chiefs aim to increase revenue in the area.
Ambitious plans have been put forward to erect a 100ft sign spelling out the name Holyhead near the lighthouse at South Stack.
Constructed from huge white letters, it’s very similar to the world-famous Hollywood sign, which has provided the movie hotspot with an instantly recognisable global identity for the last 95 years.
It is hoped the new landmark will help boost the profile of the town to visitors from out of the area.
McDonald's annoys burger lovers with 'cruel' April Fool's Day prank
Never kid about burgers...
McDonald’s has left some fans disappointed with its April Fool’s Day prank, but others are just glad it wasn’t true, writes Zoe Forsey.
The fast-chain claimed it was getting ready to release a new burger - The McPickle.
The company’s Australian social media accounts posted a short video of the new burger, a Big Mac style but with piles of gherkins instead of meat.
The caption read: “Pickle lovers, it’s the news you’ve all been waiting for.
“We’re super stoked to announce the launch of our brand new McPickle Burger.
“It’s time to tuck into juicy, flavoursome pickles layered between melted cheese, ketchup sauce and toasted sesame seed buns.
“It’s sure to be a treat for all your senses.”
Fans were really excited about the new burger and couldn’t wait to try it.
However not all was as its seems, full story here...
April Fool's Day pranks to be BANNED by government
A troubling new Brexit development as reported in the Telegraph...
April Fool’s Day jokes are set to be banned because the public cannot tell the difference between reality and farce.
The Cabinet Office will ask media outlets to refrain from publishing their traditional satirical headlines over fears they could spark panic buying of essential items such as toilet paper and toothpaste.
Ali Ploorf, a spokesman for the Cabinet Office, said: “The whole country is on a Code Red for April 1. No one knows what’s real and what’s a joke any more.
Worst April Fool's Day jokes revealed - causing deaths and mass panic
It’s not all japery this April Fool’s Day lark - I mean if we have learned anything from Brexit, it is that not every joke is a laughing matter.
So on April Fool’s Day, as you take a break from the clowns in Westminster to have some fun, beware – history is full of outrageous gags that seriously backfired.
Here, History Revealed magazine , which is out now, shares tales of hapless hoaxes and japes that really are mirth their weight in gold…
Here’s a good one...
Cliff was the only one who cracked up
In 2001, a Brighton radio DJ told his listeners a replica of the Titanic was visible off the coast of Beachy Head – Britain’s highest chalk sea cliffs.
Hundreds of people rushed to the beauty spot, in nearby Eastbourne, East Sussex, only to discover it had all been a joke.
The cliffs developed a five-foot crack under the weight of the crowds, with police urging people to leave before tragedy struck.
Two days later, part of the site collapsed into the sea.
You can read more here...
Surrey Police issues officer with pink dusters
Surrey Police has issued these unusual pink dusters to its officers.
No, they are not there to tickle suspects into a confession.
The new crime-fighting tool instead will allow officers to give a light dusting to CCTV cameras which help find crooks.
Coleman's launches Mustard Custard
Everyone knows that Coleman’s mustard goes well with absolutely everything.
So what better then than a new condiment which combines the strong flavour of mustard with that of custard?
Coleman’s says it is launching a new ‘Mustard Custard’ for your favourite Sunday roast.
Head of Product Development at Colman’s, Daisy O’Farllop, said: “Fifteen years in the making, Colman’s Mustard Custard is our most innovative development to date.
“In a world where less is more, we recognised that consumers are crying out for a streamlined condiment stash and we’re confident this one will be loved by the whole family.”