When are the UK Bank Holidays 2023/2024
The United Kingdom (UK) observes several bank holidays throughout the year. These holidays are officially recognised and typically result in a day off from work and school for most people. Here's some information about UK bank holidays:
New Year's Day (January 1st):
The first day of the year is celebrated as New Year's Day, and it's a public holiday across the UK. People often gather to watch fireworks, participate in various festivities, and to eat special meals featuring renowned items like black-eyed peas (for good luck!), cheesecake, cabbage, lentils, greens, and meat.
Good Friday:
Good Friday falls on the Friday after Maundy Thursday and before Easter Sunday. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a Christian holiday observed across the UK. While most organisations and businesses are closed in the UK on Good Friday, several supermarkets, shops, cinemas, and restaurants remain open.
Easter Monday:
Easter Monday is an important bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is the day after Easter Sunday and is a public holiday. It is an important culmination of a long 4-day weekend in these parts of the UK. It provides an extended weekend for people to enjoy time with family and friends.
Early May Bank Holiday:
This holiday usually falls on the first Monday in May and marks the beginning of the spring season. Scotland has been observing the Early May Bank holiday right since the 1870s. However, the rest of the UK began observing it sometime in the late 1970s. It's a day for various outdoor activities and events.
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Spring Bank Holiday:
The Spring bank holiday falls on the last Monday in May. It initially began as the Monday after Pentecost. Pretty much everything is closed in the UK on this day, and even the public transportation functions on a holiday schedule. It's another opportunity for people to enjoy the pleasant weather and participate in recreational activities.
Bank Holiday:
Occurring on the last Monday in August, the Summer bank holiday marks the end of the summer season. Although it is now an important public holiday in England and Wales, it was initially introduced as a way for bank employees to enjoy a crucial cricket match. It's a popular time for holidays and outdoor events.
Christmas Day (December 25th):
Christmas is a significant holiday in the UK, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It has been a pivotal bank holiday in the UK since the 1970s. It's a merry time for exchanging gifts, decorating homes, and enjoying festive meals with family.
Boxing Day (December 26th):
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, and it's a time when people traditionally gave boxes of gifts to service workers. These workers would, in turn, go home to pass along these gift boxes to their loved ones. Today, it's a bank holiday primarily for shopping, sports events, and relaxation.
St. Andrew's Day (Scotland):
St. Andrew's Day is Scotland's national day, celebrated on November 30th annually. It honours St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, and was first observed as a bank holiday in 2007. Banks may choose to remain open on St. Andrew’s Day if they wish to.
St. Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland):
St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, honours the patron saint of Ireland. In addition to being a bank holiday in Northern England, it is also an important cultural and religious holiday celebrated with parades, music, and festivities. Schools and many businesses, organisations, and stores remain closed today.
Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day - Northern Ireland):
This bank holiday, typically celebrated on July 12th, commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. It is when the Protestant William III defeated the troops of the Catholic King James II. It is a significant day in Northern Ireland's history and is marked by parades and cultural events.
2nd January (Scotland):
In Scotland, January 2nd is a public holiday that provides an additional day off following New Year's Day. Post offices and banks are closed today, and public transportation may be limited or entirely unavailable. Several businesses and stores may remain closed as well.
Uk Bank Holidays in 2023-2025: Complete List
Find below a full list of 2023, 2024 and 2025 UK bank holidays
Bank Holidays in England and Wales 2023
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
2024 Bank Holidays in England and Wales
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 29 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 1 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 6 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 27 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 26 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
2025 Bank Holidays in England and Wales
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Upcoming Bank Holidays in Scotland(2023-2025)
2023 Bank Holidays in Scotland
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 30 November | Thursday | St. Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
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2024 Bank Holidays in Scotland
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Tuesday | 2nd January |
| 29 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 27 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 5 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 2 December | Monday | St. Andrew’s Day (substitute day) |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
2025 Bank Holidays in Scotland
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Thursday | 2nd January |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 4 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 1 December | Monday | St. Andrew’s Day (substitute day) |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Upcoming Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland(2023-2025)
2023 Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
2024 Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 March | Monday | St. Patrick’s Day (substitute day) |
| 29 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 1 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 6 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 27 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 12 July | Friday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) |
| 26 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
2025 Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Monday | St. Patrick’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 14 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day) |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
It's important to note that if a bank holiday in the UK falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday is often designated as a bank holiday to ensure that people still have the opportunity to enjoy a day off. Bank holidays are an integral part of the UK's cultural and social calendar, offering opportunities for relaxation, celebration, and reflection throughout the year.
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