.svg)
Take a break and soak in the joy of the season with the Early May Bank Holiday falling on May 6! Part of the rich cultural history of the United Kingdom, this national holiday has been around since the Banking and Financial Dealings Act of 1971. Interestingly, the day was recognized as a means to create a few 'shoulder months' with national holidays to help reduce stress of the workforce. This well-timed holiday doesn't just signal an extra day off work, but it also lands nicely within the delight of springtime. It's often seen as the perfect opportunity to gather with family, friends or simply enjoy the rejuvenating spirit of the season. So, seize the day and make the most of this wonderful time to pause, play and celebrate!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Early May Bank Holiday was established under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act of 1971 as one of the new "shoulder months" holidays.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official Early May Bank Holiday was celebrated in 1978, seven years after its establishment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Largest May Day Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The largest May Day event took place in London in 1999, where trade unions and anti-capitalist groups marched through the city centre.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday's Date Change Proposal</div><div class='timeline-text'>A proposal to move the Early May Bank Holiday to October as "UK Day" or "Trafalgar Day" was discussed, but ultimately did not proceed.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday's Commemoration During Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>The bank holiday was celebrated differently due to COVID-19 restrictions, with many organizing virtual events and celebrations.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a spring garden party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take advantage of the warmer weather by throwing an outdoor garden party. Decorate your yard with spring-themed decorations, serve seasonal foods and beverages, and let everyone enjoy the beauty of nature in spring.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit a local festival</h3><p class='facts-text'>Often, there are local festivals and events that take place during early May bank holiday. It's a great chance to experience local culture, taste different foods, and enjoy various fun activities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Take a nature hike</h3><p class='facts-text'>Enjoy the spring scenery by taking a nature hike in a nearby park or forest. It's a good opportunity to exercise, breathe fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of nature in full bloom.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Conduct a spring cleaning</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use this extra day off to conduct a thorough spring cleaning of your home. It can be a rewarding task that offers a sense of accomplishment and starts off the season with a fresh, clean home.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plan a mini vacation</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you can, use the long weekend to plan a mini vacation. Whether it's a staycation in your own town, a road trip to a nearby city, or a quick jaunt to a countryside B&B, make the most out of this three-day holiday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Time to relax and recharge</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Early May Bank Holiday gives everyone a much-needed break from their busy schedules. It's a perfect time to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge. Whether it's enjoying a laid-back garden party or embarking on a mini vacation, this national holiday encourages us to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Opportunity to enjoy nature's beauty</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As the holiday occurs in the delightful spring season, it's the best time to appreciate the beauty of nature in full bloom. Whether it's a casual stroll in the park, attending a local festival, or embarking on a nature hike, this holiday helps us reconnect with nature and admire its beauty.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cultivating deeper relationships</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Early May Bank Holiday encourages us to spend quality time with our loved ones. Whether it's gathering together for a garden party, going to a local festival, or planning a mini vacation, this holiday allows us to create lasting memories and cultivate deeper relationships.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Early May Bank Holiday replaced Whit Monday</h3><p class='facts-content'>Prior to the institution of the Early May Bank holiday, Whit Monday, the day after Whitsunday, a Christian holiday commemorating the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, was observed as a public holiday in the United Kingdom.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The holiday was once moved to commemorate VE day</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1995, the Early May Bank Holiday was moved from the first Monday of May to May 8 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day - Victory in Europe Day marking the end of World War II.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is tied to ancient Roman festival Floralia</h3><p class='facts-content'>The first week of May is coincidentally tied to ancient Roman festival Floralia, which was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of flowers. It was a time of singing, dancing and feasting in ancient Rome.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The holiday is associated with customs for good luck and fertility</h3><p class='facts-content'>May Day customs associated with the Early May Bank Holiday include dancing around the Maypole and crowning the Queen of May - possibly relics from the days when people believed in the magic properties of trees and bushes, which would bring good luck and fertility.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The holiday coincides with International Workers' Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Interestingly, the Early May Bank Holiday often falls near International Workers' Day. This connection led to the holiday being marked by labour protests and rallies in the UK, especially during intense periods of social unrest.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
