UPDATE: False alarm folks! Downing Street has confirmed that there will not be an extra bank holiday next year. Instead, the prime minister is apparently looking to use existing bank holidays for commemorative events. The anniversary will likely be commemorated on the early May bank holiday (May 5).
Between the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the coronation of the King and England almost winning the Euros twice, the phrase “extra bank holiday” has been thrown around a lot in recent years. It’s obvious eight bank holidays just aren’t enough for us Brits, so luckily the UK could be getting an extra in 2025.
May 8, 2025, will mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, while Victory over Japan Day is on August 15. How we celebrate as a nation is already being discussed by the government, with dates around both these dates floated for a potential extra bank holiday in 2025. The official end of WW2 anniversary, however, isn’t until September 2, 2025.
When will the UK get an extra bank holiday in 2025?
Whenever it happens, the extra summer bank holiday will coincide with a four-day weekend of celebrations. As such, two options are currently being discussed by the government to mark the WW2 anniversary. The first option is to clear Friday, May 9 and Monday, May 12, while the other is to add August 22 to the summer bank holiday on August 25.
May is already chock full of bank holidays, with the early May bank holiday on Monday, May 5 and the Spring bank holiday on Monday, May 26. So we doubt they’re about to throw two more in the mix. It’s most likely the early May bank holiday will be shifted to Friday – which happened in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Personally? I’d like to see an autumn bank holiday…
What celebrations can we expect?
Nothing has been announced yet but, speaking to the Express, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has revealed more than £10 million has been set aside for events – compared to the £28 million of Platty Jubes. Seeing as many parades and street parties across the UK’s towns and cities were cancelled by COVID for VE Day’s 75th anniversary, expect a great deal more this time around!
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day will be moments of huge significance for our country, and the Government is committed to commemorating the occasions appropriately. That is why we have announced more than £10 million for events. We will announce the Government’s plans to mark the occasion shortly.”
When are the bank holidays in 2025?
Wednesday, 1 January, New Year’s Day
Friday, 18 April, Good Friday
Monday, 21 April, Easter Monday
Monday, 5 May, Early May bank holiday
Monday, 26 May, Spring bank holiday
Monday, 25 August, Summer bank holiday
Thursday, 25 December, Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December, Boxing Day