Is Summer Bank Holiday a Public Holiday in the UK?
Summer Bank Holiday is a public holiday in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales. A day off is granted to the general population on this day, and most of the schools and businesses remain closed on this day.
Origin of Summer Bank Holiday
The Bank Holidays Act 1871 first included the Summer Bank Holiday on the first Monday of August in the same year. The primary reason behind this inclusion was to offer the employees of the banking sector a day of relaxation, which was disconnected from any festival before the Summer Holidays come to an end. This holiday was officially moved to the last Monday of August in the year 1971 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, after a five-year trial period (1965-1970).
Summer Bank Holiday Celebrations
The holiday falls on the first or last Monday of August (as per the area) and consequently ensures a long weekend for workers of all stripes. Thus, on the Summer Bank Holiday, many UK citizens could be seen traversing throughout Scotland, the entire UK, Ireland, and even farther away – across the European continent and abroad. This is a day of celebrating the last of the Summer Days with their family before the employees return to their work and the children go back to their schools.
Events Held During the Summer Bank Holiday in the UK
The three-day weekend is a time to enjoy in general. Thus many events are organized throughout the United Kingdom for the citizens. One of these significant events includes the Notting Hill Carnival, the second-biggest street fest of the world, held in London. Initially a way of celebrating their culture and protesting against racism, and inadequate housing and working situations, by the Carribeans, this Carnival is now a multicultural celebration. Another major event during the Summer Bank Holiday is the August Festival of Edinburgh, Scotland which is an amalgamation of numerous arts and cultures. A few more citable events include the Edinburgh International Book Festival held in Charlotte Square, the Edinburgh Art Festival prevalent since 2004, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, hosted in Edinburgh Castle.
Summer Bank Holiday Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mon | 26 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Common Local Holiday |
| 2020 | Mon | 31 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Common Local Holiday |
| 2021 | Mon | 30 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Common Local Holiday |
| 2022 | Mon | 29 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Common Local Holiday |
| 2023 | Mon | 28 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Common Local Holiday |
| 2024 | Mon | 26 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Common Local Holiday |
| 2025 | Mon | 25 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Common Local Holiday |
FAQs
1. What is the summer bank holiday in England?
The summer bank holiday is on the last Monday of August, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The first Monday of August is in Scotland. This day marks the end of the summer holidays.
2. How many Monday bank holidays are there in 2023?
There are 8 bank holidays in 2023.
3. How to celebrate summer bank holiday?
On Summer bank holiday, many UK citizens could be seen traversing throughout Scotland, the entire UK, Ireland, and even farther away – across the European continent and abroad.
Also Read: Other Bank Holidays in the UK
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