by Public Holiday News
London, Jun 8th 2019
The Early May bank holiday in 2020 will be moved by four days in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to Friday May 8th, so that it coincides with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany came to an end in Europe.
The holiday will form part of a three-day weekend of commemorative events.
Announcing the change, Business Secretary Greg Clark said: "It will ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation."
The date of the May Day bank holiday has been changed before. In 1995, it was changed from May 1st to May 8th to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.
Moving a bank holiday is achieved by a Royal Proclamation under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
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Bank holidays in United Kingdom in 2020
| Weekday | Date | Holiday | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | New Year's Day | ||
| Thursday | Day after New Year's Day | Scotland | |
| Saturday | Burns Night | Scotland, not a public holiday | |
| Tuesday | Shrove Tuesday | Shrove Tuesday. Not a Public Holiday | |
| Sunday | St. David's Day | Wales Only. Not a public holiday | |
| Tuesday | St. Patrick's Day | Northern Ireland | |
| Sunday | Mothering Sunday | Not a National Holiday | |
| Friday | Good Friday | ||
| Sunday | Easter Sunday | ||
| Monday | Easter Monday | Except Scotland | |
| Thursday | St. George's Day | England. Not a public holiday | |
| Friday | Early May Bank Holiday | Moved to Friday for VE Day | |
| Monday | Spring Bank Holiday | Last Monday in May | |
| Sunday | Father's Day | 3rd Sunday in June. Not a public holiday | |
| Monday | Battle of the Boyne (in lieu) | Northern Ireland Only | |
| Monday | Summer bank holiday | First Monday in August (Scotland) | |
| Monday | August Bank Holiday | Last Monday in August (except Scotland) | |
| Thursday | Guy Fawke's Night | England. Not a public holiday | |
| Sunday | Remembrance Sunday | Not a public holiday | |
| Monday | St. Andrew's Day | Scotland Only | |
| Friday | Christmas Day | ||
| Monday | Boxing Day (in lieu) | ||
| Tuesday | Bank Holiday | Northern Ireland. Banks closed |
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