The UK recognises eight bank holidays each year, and we have already had New Year’s Day (January 1) which means the next day to look forward to is Good Friday
As the UK welcomes its first taste of spring weather in 2025, Brits nationwide are eagerly anticipating sunny days spent lounging in their gardens and enjoying well-deserved days off. The UK has eight bank holidays annually, with additional ones under special circumstances.
We’ve already celebrated New Year’s Day (January 1), so the next one to look forward to is Good Friday, which is fast approaching.
Four bank holidays occur within a short span of each other. In just over a month, Good Friday falls on April 18, followed closely by Easter Monday on April 21.
Shortly thereafter, we have the Early May bank holiday on May 5, followed by the Spring bank holiday on May 26. This year also commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE day, Victory in Europe Day, which is observed on May 8 each year, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It marks the end of World War II in Europe and the Allies’ acceptance of Germany’s surrender in 1945. As Brits are encouraged to honour the day with street parties and four days of concerts, services and processions have been announced, many are left wondering – will we get an extra bank holiday to commemorate the day?
However, a spokesperson from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed back in November that the celebrations for VE day will not include an extra bank holiday in 2025.
With only eight recognised days, England is second to Mexico – the country with the fewest bank holidays in the world, boasting just seven official public holidays. Globally, India takes the crown for the most national holidays, with a staggering 21 days.
Scotland recognises nine bank holidays, while Northern Ireland has ten. In 2022, the UK enjoyed two additional bank holidays: one on 3 June 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, and another on 19 September for her funeral.
Will the UK have an extra bank holiday this year?
Sadly not, as the DCMS confirmed that there will be no additional bank holiday for VE Day’s 80th anniversary. Here are the full lists of bank holidays in 2025 for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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