Will the UK Get New Bank Holiday for the 80th VE Day Celebrations?

The United Kingdom will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with four days of celebrations from May 5 to 8, 2025. The events will include a military procession, a flypast, concerts and a special service at Westminster Abbey.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, as per media reports, stated that on VE Day, people across society will be able to hear stories of their veterans to reflect and remember.

Will the UK get a new bank holiday?

Despite the significance of the anniversary, the government has confirmed that there will be no additional bank holiday.


According to a report in The Independent, the decision was announced in November 2024 with a spokesperson stating that the commemorations will instead be coinciding with the existing Early May Bank Holiday on May 5.

The spokesperson also said that the UK administration has announced a budget of more than £10 million to mark them, the report stated.

A government official, per the report, explained that while the 80th VE Day is historic, an additional bank holiday could have a significant impact on businesses and public services. Thus, the 2025 Bank Holiday schedule will remain unchanged. The official added that the Early May Bank Holiday will serve as the focal point for VE Day events.

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Four Days of VE Day 80the Commemorations

The commemoration of the anniversary will happen over four days celebrating the services of the individuals who participated in the Second World War:

May 5: A procession down Whitehall in military formation, followed by a historic and modern RAF flypast, which will include the Red Arons. The Union Jacks will be draped at the Cenotaph and HMS Belfast and will receive a special street party.

May 6: Ceramic poppies will be displayed in a mass installation at the Tower of London to commemorate the people who died during the war. Historic monuments throughout the UK will be lit up in the evening.

May 7: There is a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert to be held at Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster.

May 8: The last day will be a memorial service at Westminster Abbey, then a mass concert at Horse Guards Parade, with an estimated attendance of 10,000.

Why No Extra Bank Holiday for VE Day 80?

The government has decided not to add an extra bank holiday for the VE Day 80th commemorations due to economic grounds. The UK's 2025 bank holiday list is unaltered:

Good Friday: April 18

Easter Monday: April 21

Early May Bank Holiday: May 5

Spring Bank Holiday: May 26

Summer Bank Holiday: August 25

Christmas Day: December 25

Boxing Day: December 26

Celebrations to be grandeur

The 75-year milestone of VE Day could not be celebrated on a grand scale due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this year’s milestone is likely to be one of the last large-scale commemorations, the reports stated. It added that the celebrations will include living veterans, and organisations like the Royal British Legion. The Legion is taking the lead on educational and community outreach initiatives to promote public involvement.

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FAQs

Will there be a new bank holiday for the 80th VE Day?
No, the government has confirmed that there will be no additional bank holiday. The celebrations will take place around the pre-existing Early May Bank Holiday on May 5.

What is the rationale behind the government's decision to decline an extra bank holiday?
Officials cited economic considerations, saying that having an additional bank holiday would significantly affect businesses, public services, and the broader economy.