2020 May Bank Holiday will be moved

2020 May bank holiday will be moved to mark 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The early 2020 May bank holiday will be moved from Monday 4th May to Friday 8th May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day which takes place on 8th May and enable people to pay tribute to those who served in one of the most significant events in our country’s history, Business Secretary Greg Clark has announced.

The occasion will remember the contribution of British, Commonwealth and Allied armed forces personnel; those who contributed to the war effort and safeguarded the Home Front. As well as marking the Allies’ victory in 1945, the bank holiday will serve as an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the UK Armed Forces and their families.

Commemorative events will take place over the 3-day weekend across the country, including:

• The Nation’s Toast. Where over 20,000 pubs will encourage patrons to raise a glass to the Heroes of World War II.
• Bagpipers playing the traditional Battle’s O’er at the top of the 4 highest peaks in the UK. Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, Mount Snowdon in Wales, and Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland
• Bells in churches and cathedrals across the country joining forces in a special Ringing Out for Peace
• Local street parties and celebrations across the 3-day weekend

Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity said:

“Acknowledging 75 years since VE Day with a commemorative bank holiday is absolutely fitting. It is our duty to keep the events of the past alive in collective memory, including future generations. This is how we ensure that such a conflict never happens again.

It is our hope that the nation takes a moment to reflect on the significance of this date. And to remember that it is a milestone that changed the course of history for the whole world.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity was proud to have been there supporting men, women and families during the Second World War, and is still here now for the whole Forces community – whenever they need us.”

We’re honoured to be the official charity partner for VE Day 75. We are calling on everyone to remember the men and women that fought to defend our freedom. VE Day was first celebrated on 8 May 1945 when Allied Forces formally accepted Germany’s surrender.

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