Eight Additional UK Bank Holidays Remain in 2025
By Kate Lally
The British Government has affirmed the presence of eight more bank holidays scheduled across the UK from now until the conclusion of 2025. Nevertheless, distinct bank holidays are observed by the various UK nations.
For instance, during the recent Easter weekend, both Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21 were designated as bank holidays for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, in Scotland, only Good Friday was recognised as a bank holiday, with Easter Monday omitted from the holiday list.
In a recent announcement made on Wednesday, April 23, government officials released details regarding the upcoming bank holidays for the remainder of 2025. It was disclosed that universal bank holidays will transpire on Monday, May 5, as well as Monday, May 26. Additionally, on Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26, the UK will observe the widely celebrated bank holidays of Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Diversely, Northern Ireland will observe the Battle of the Boyne bank holiday on Monday, July 14, while Scotland is set to mark the Summer bank holiday on Monday, August 4. Concurrently, for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Summer bank holiday will fall on Monday, August 25 this year. Furthermore, on Monday, December 1, only Scotland will commemorate St Andrew’s Day with a bank holiday.
With the emergence of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, May 8, calls for an additional bank holiday have arisen. VE Day, celebrated annually on May 8, signifies the formal acceptance by the Allies of Germany’s surrender in 1945. Speculation had circulated at the conclusion of 2024 that Downing Street might declare VE Day as an extra bank holiday. However, in November, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister refuted these claims, stating that there were no plans for an additional bank holiday.
The spokesperson asserted, “We will utilise the existing May Day bank holiday for memorial events. Our commitment to appropriately commemorating these nationally significant occasions is evidenced by the announcement of over £10m to honour them.”
The announcement of the remaining bank holidays instils a sense of anticipation and excitement among the public, providing opportunities for relaxation and celebration throughout the year. The variation in bank holidays across the UK regions adds an element of diversity and cultural richness to the calendar, allowing for the celebration of a wide array of traditions and historical events.
As the year progresses, individuals and communities can look forward to the designated bank holidays, each offering a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and enjoy time with loved ones. The significance of these holidays extends beyond mere days off work, serving as moments to honour historical milestones, cultural celebrations, and national remembrance.
In conclusion, the detailed schedule of bank holidays for the remainder of 2025 not only offers insights into upcoming opportunities for leisure and festivity but also underscores the importance of commemorating historical events and traditions that shape the identity of the UK. Let us embrace these moments of respite and reflection, appreciating the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage.