This year’s Easter bank holiday weekend will feel a little different for most people in the UK, as the coronavirus lockdown has banished people to their homes, except to go out for essential needs, such as grocery shopping or limited exercise.
So, naturally, many people are looking ahead to the next bank holiday, which will take place on May 8 – a couple of days later than it usually falls.
So why the change in date? And what other bank holidays can we look forward to?
Why did the date of the VE Day bank holiday change?
Back in June, the government announced the early May bank holiday in 2020, originally set for Monday 4 May, would be changed to Friday 8 May.
The reason for this unusual change in calendar dates is to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, which was to be celebrated with three days of commemorative events in the UK.
VE Day, which stands for Victory in Europe Day, was the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany came to an end in Europe.
Pubs were expected to stay open later, until 1am on 8 and 9 May and people across the UK were encouraged to throw their own street parties.
Other plans reportedly included a special display by the Red Arrows and a Battle of Britain memorial flight above Buckingham Palace,
However, like all other upcoming planned events, the latest advice is for members of the public to temporarily cancel all planned VE Day celebrations.
Until more is known, for now, it’s thought that all former VE Day plans may be moved to the weekend of the 15-16 August, to coincide with VJ Day, which commemorates the surrender of Imperial Japan during World War II.
UK bank holidays in 2020
Here are the other remaining bank holidays in 2020:
Early May bank holiday: Friday 8 May
Spring bank holiday: Monday 25 May
Battle of the Boyne: Monday 13 July (Northern Ireland only)
Summer bank holiday: Monday 3 August (Scotland only)
Summer bank holiday: Monday 31 August (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
Christmas Day: Friday 25 December
Boxing Day: Monday 28 December (substitute day)
UK bank holidays in 2021
Some people have found themselves reluctant to plan any immediate trips in 2020 due to the current uncertainty.
So, why not look ahead, and start planning 2021? Here are the bank holiday dates for next year:
New Year’s Day: Friday 1 January
Good Friday: Friday 2 April
Easter Monday: Monday 5 April
Early May bank holiday: Monday 3 May
Spring bank holiday: Monday 31 May
Battle of the Boyne: Monday 12 July (Northern Ireland only)
Summer bank holiday: Monday 2 August (Scotland only)
Summer bank holiday: Monday 30 August England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
Christmas Day: Monday 27 December (substitute day)
Boxing Day: Tuesday 28 December (substitute day)
MORE: Are banks open over Easter weekend?
MORE: Is Good Friday a bank holiday and what other bank holidays are there in 2020?
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/13/next-uk-bank-holiday-something-ve-day-date-change-12546358/?ITO=squid
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