April Fools Day Pranks: Did you fall for any of these Sheffield gags?

Here at The Star, we convinced some people that the Clean Air Zone was potentially being extended to nine more areas of the city, with a daily charge for driving a non-electric vehicle in these areas.

The astute amongst you noticed the areas mentioned spelled ‘APRIL FOOL’: Arbourthorne, Parson Cross, Ranmoor, Intake, Lowedges, Fulwood, Owlerton, Owlthorpe and Lodge Moor – and that the story was published by none other than a reporter named ‘Jo King’.

Here are some other April Fools Day gags that you might have fallen for…

Leah’s Yard

Leah’s Yard tweeted: “We are DELIGHTED to have secured our first two tenants for Leah’s Yard.

"We look forward to being the home of new branches of two high street favourites!”

The tweet was accompanied by a photo of the iconic building, fitted out with a Greggs and Costa.

One unimpressed victim of the joke replied and said: “This isn't what you were pitching for this development.”

Leah’s Yard replied: “Sometimes you’ve got to sausage roll with the punches.”

Twinkl

Educational publisher Twinkl claimed to be launching six different classroom-themed scented candles in a range named ‘School Scents’.

The candle smells included: Wet Paper Towels; Lost School Jumpers; Cold Tea; PE Kits; The Pain Of Lost Glue Lids and Tears Of An Ofsted Inspector.

They even created a fake landing page where you can ‘buy’ the products – but they’re conveniently all out of stock.

Trans Penine Trail

The Trans Penine Trail posted on Facebook: “Following recent changes to the countryside code, horses will now be required to wear nappies on the TPT.

"Keep an eye out for our inbound, Trans Pennine Trail themed, Horse nappies on our online shop.”

Now there’s an image you’ll find hard to get out of your head.

One commenter said: “I wish it wasn't April 1. That is a seriously good idea.”

Fletchers Waste Management

The skip hire and commercial waste company took people for a ride with the introduction of the ‘Roboskip’.

The company posted on Facebook: “Fletchers Waste Management are proud to introduce our revolutionary new product – Roboskip.

"This innovative new product is an automated self-driving skip that has become a popular choice for households.

“Our driver-less skips employ a wide range of advanced A.I technologies which include; radar, 360-degree motion cameras and ultrasound sensors allowing Roboskip to safely navigate our roads.

“The future truly is here - it’s time for Roboskip.”

Beanies Wholefoods

The wholefoods retailer announced that it was opening a ‘certified organic subterranean health spa’ in Spring 2023.

Posting on Facebook, the company said: “Beanies is delighted to announce that in Spring 2023 we'll be opening a fully organic underground spa and treatment room!

“You may have noticed a flurry of activity in our car park recently. During the first round of drain excavations back in February, the builders discovered an extensive cave system under what is currently the Beanies car park, complete with geothermal pools.

“Following quick and enthusiastic discussions at last week's co-op meeting, we signed off on plans to construct a series of underground treatment rooms and pools, including a sauna and an Olympic sized swimming pool, which will extend under Crookesmoor Road.

"All of this will be kitted out with a range of fully organic beauty products, sourced and ordered in by Isabella.”

The post was accompanied by a crudely drawn ‘artists impression’.