It didn’t last long. Less than 24 hours after announcing that the United Kingdom could benefit from an additional public holiday next summer to celebrate Victory in Europe Day (May 8, 1945), we learned that this would ultimately not be the case. Sorry to get my hopes up, but we said “could”…
The story comes from an ‘exclusive’ from the Express, which claimed the UK would benefit from a four-day weekend to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day or VJ Day next year. The article revealed two potential dates being considered by the government – May 9-12 or August 22-25 – and the need for a single additional public holiday to achieve this.
A No 10 spokesperson has since said he n’ there was no plans for additional holidays. While £10 million has been set aside for the events marking the end of the Second World War, this sum only relates to the bank holiday already in place at the start of May (May 5), with this historic event seen as one of the last major anniversaries faced by veterans of the Second World War. World War will actively participate.
The previous major commemoration of the Second World War, the 75th anniversary of VE Day, saw a large number of parades and street parties in cities across the UK canceled thanks to COVID. That year, the early May bank holiday was moved four days to a Friday, and it was also moved in 1997 for the 50th anniversary.
It is still possible that the early May bank holiday will be moved again to 2025, to make it coincide a little more with VE Day, but this is very unlikely. So, since we only have eight public holidays next year, why not make the most of them? You can double your vacation by combining it with your annual leave and following this guide.
What are the public holidays in 2025?
Wednesday January 1, New Year’s Day
Friday April 18, Good Friday
Monday April 21, Easter Monday
Monday May 5, early May public holiday
Monday May 26, spring bank holiday
Monday August 25, summer bank holiday
Thursday December 25, Christmas Day
Friday December 26, Boxing Day
