Despite whispers of a potential new bank holiday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Government has dashed hopes by confirming there won’t be an extra day off next year. Instead, any celebrations are expected to coincide with the existing May bank holiday.
Addressing the speculation last month, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson remarked: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day are moments of huge significance for our country where we come together to honour the memory of those who served. We are committed to commemorating and observing these national important occasions appropriately which is why we’ve announced more than £10million for events to mark them. We’ll set out more detail shortly. These plans do not include an additional bank holiday but we will look to use the existing early May bank holiday for commemorative events.”
It’s suggested that the ‘high cost’ of bank holidays could be behind the decision, especially considering the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee had a £2.4 billion impact on the economy, as per UK Parliament statistics.
VE Day will be celebrated across the existing bank holiday weekend
(Image: (Image: Getty))
VE Day on May 8 and VJ Day on August 15 are poignant reminders of the Allies’ victory in WWII, with Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945 and Japan’s subsequent capitulation marking the end of the conflict. As we approach these dates, it’s estimated that around 70,000 WWII veterans remain, making next year’s commemorations potentially the last significant anniversary for many to attend.
The idea of an extra bank holiday to honour this momentous occasion has garnered substantial support among veterans. Geoff Roberts, 99, who endured capture at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in 1944, emphasised the importance of remembrance: “I think it’s very important in these current times we remember those that gave their lives for our freedom and peace in Europe. We should never forget them. Maybe an extra bank holiday will help to remind people about what’s happened in the past.”
Similarly, Marie Scott, 98, a vital contributor to the D-Day efforts at just 17, working in a clandestine bunker coordinating communications, also backs the proposal for an additional day of commemoration. She remarked: “An additional bank holiday would be an opportunity to thank all those wonderful people who made such a spectacular victory possible because, without them, the future could have been very dire indeed.”
Some veterans are leading calls for an extra bank holiday
(Image: (Image: Taxi Charity for Military Veterans))
However, it’s not uncommon for Brits to receive an additional day off in the calendar. In recent years, extra bank holidays have been granted to celebrate significant anniversaries. These included the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which marked the 70th anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne with four-day celebrations from June 2-5. The day of her funeral, Monday, September 19, was also declared a bank holiday.
Last year, Brits were given an additional bank holiday for King Charles’ coronation on Monday, May 8. Looking ahead to next year, eight public holidays are scheduled, starting with New Year’s Day, followed by Good Friday and Easter Sunday in April, May 5 and 26, August 25, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, according to the Express.
In 2020, the early May bank holiday was moved from Monday (May 4) to Friday (May 8) to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, sparking debate over the timing of the decision and whether an extra day off should have been granted. Following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, former PM Boris Johnson supported proposals for a new bank holiday to honour her legacy, potentially increasing the total number of bank holidays in England and Wales to nine.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has declared: “The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day will be moments of huge significance for our country, and the Government is committed to commemorating the occasions appropriately. That is why we have announced more than £10 million for events. We will announce the Government’s plans to mark the occasion shortly.”
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