**Government Confirms Remaining Bank Holidays Across the UK Until the End of 2025**
The UK Government has officially outlined the schedule for the remaining bank holidays until the conclusion of 2025, putting an end to ongoing speculation about potential additions for special national events. According to the latest announcement, Britons can look forward to eight more bank holidays before the beginning of 2026, although the exact dates and which nations observe each day varies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
While many people hope for surprise additions to the holiday calendar, especially as notable historical anniversaries arise, government sources have been unequivocal: there are currently no plans to introduce extra bank holidays in 2025. This confirmation follows a period of rumour and public debate, sparked by the upcoming 80th anniversary of VE Day next year.
The intricate web of bank holiday dates across the four nations can often lead to confusion. For example, during the recent Easter period, bank holidays fell on Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, whereas Scotland observed only Good Friday as a public holiday. Such discrepancies highlight the regional distinctions in holiday observance across the UK.
In a post released on Wednesday, 23 April, government officials detailed the remaining public holidays for the rest of the year. The next bank holiday for all UK nations will fall on Monday, 5 May, followed by another UK-wide day off on Monday, 26 May. Later in the year, the country will come together again for the Christmas festivities on Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day), and Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day).
Distinctive dates specific to certain nations have also been confirmed. For instance, on Monday, 14 July, Northern Ireland will commemorate the Battle of the Boyne with its own public holiday. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Summer Bank Holiday will fall earlier than its English and Welsh counterparts, taking place on Monday, 4 August. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will instead hold their Summer Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 August. Additionally, Scotland will mark St Andrew’s Day, a uniquely Scottish holiday, on Monday, 1 December.
The anticipation around additional bank holidays came to a head due to May 8, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This day commemorates the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s surrender during the Second World War, a momentous occasion in British, and indeed world, history. There was speculation towards the end of 2024 that the country might receive a one-off public holiday on this date, echoing special commemorations seen in prior years.
However, a Downing Street spokesperson dispelled such expectations in November 2024, stating explicitly that “plans do not include an additional bank holiday.” Instead, the government intends to use the existing May Day bank holiday for nationwide commemorative events, ensuring significant historic moments are not overlooked. The government has earmarked more than £10 million to support activities marking these important milestones, emphasising a commitment to national remembrance without altering the bank holiday calendar.
This approach reflects a broader effort by authorities to balance national celebration with economic considerations, as additional bank holidays can have wide-reaching impacts on businesses and public services. While the desire for more public holidays is a consistent theme among the workforce and campaigners, the current government’s position reiterates stability in the annual schedule, reserving extraordinary changes for only the most significant occasions.
In conclusion, Britons can plan for the bank holidays already set out, with clear dates available to facilitate everything from travel and family gatherings to commemorations. Those hoping for more days off will likely have to wait until after 2025, or for an unprecedented national announcement in the future.
As ever, it is advisable for members of the public to check official sources or their local authority’s website to confirm which holidays apply in their area, especially since some regions in the UK diverge from the national schedule. The government’s latest update aims to provide clarity for employers and employees alike as they look forward to the opportunities and rest days afforded by the forthcoming bank holidays.