Downing Street has officially confirmed that there will be no extra bank holiday in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Despite calls for a day to honor the sacrifices of the wartime generation, the government has clarified that no such plans are in place.
Rumors had been circulating that an additional bank holiday could be introduced next year, possibly on May 8 or August 15 to coincide with the anniversaries of VE Day and Japan’s surrender. Suggestions were made to create a four-day weekend to pay tribute to veterans, many of whom may not live to see future anniversaries.
However, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson announced that there will be no extra day off. The government is committed to honoring the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day with more than £10 million allocated for commemorative events. The existing early May bank holiday will be used for national remembrance.
The decision not to introduce an extra bank holiday in 2025 reflects the government’s concerns about the economic impact of additional days off. While many were disappointed by this news, the government is focused on maintaining productivity and balancing public sentiment.
In recent years, there have been additional bank holidays for national events such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and the late Queen’s funeral. The coronation of King Charles III was also celebrated with a day off. These holidays have raised questions about the government’s consistency in decision-making regarding commemorative events.
Despite the lack of a new bank holiday in 2025, Britons can still look forward to the standard bank holidays including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. These holidays will provide much-needed breaks for workers and families across the nation.
While hopes for an extra day off in 2025 have been dashed, the focus remains on making existing holidays and commemorations meaningful. The government’s decision, while disappointing to some, aims to ensure a balance between honoring the past and maintaining economic stability.
