Well, that didn’t last long. Less than 24 hours after we reported that the UK could get an extra bank holiday next summer to mark Victory in Europe Day (May 8, 1945), we’ve learnt it won’t happen after all. Sorry for getting anyone’s hopes up, but we did say “could”…
The story came from an Express “exclusive” that claimed the UK would get a four-day weekend to mark the 80th anniversary of either VE Day or VJ Day next year. It revealed two potential dates the government was considering – May 9 to 12, or August 22 to 25 – and the need for a one-off extra bank holiday to do so.
A spokesperson for No 10 has since said there are no such plans for an additional bank holiday. While £10m has been set aside for events to mark the end of WW2, this is only for the already-in-place early May bank holiday (May 5) – with this historic occasion seen as one of the last major anniversaries in which WW2 veterans will actively partake.
The previous major commemoration of WW2, VE Day’s 75th anniversary, saw huge numbers of parades and street parties across the UK’s towns and cities cancelled thanks to COVID. That year, the early May bank holiday shifted back four days to a Friday, while it was also moved in 1997 for the 50th anniversary.
There’s still a chance the early May bank holiday could be moved again in 2025, to place it slightly more in line with VE Day, but it’s highly unlikely. So, seeing as we’re stuck with only eight bank holidays next year, why not make the most of them? You can double your holiday by pairing them with your annual leave and following this guide.
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