As the new year gets into full swing and Brummies settle back into routines after the festive break, many are already looking ahead to their next opportunity for a day off. Whether it's planning annual leave or simply marking the next public holiday in the diary, knowing the key dates can help you maximise your rest time.
How Bank Holidays Are Created and Confirmed
For 2026, England has a total of eight confirmed bank holidays. One, New Year's Day, has already passed, leaving seven more days of potential long weekends and breaks to anticipate. It's important to note that this list is considered fixed, but not entirely immutable.
The process for adding a new bank holiday is rare and involves significant procedure. These days, the most common method is via a Royal Proclamation by the King, issued on the advice of government ministers. The last time this power was exercised was for the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, which granted an extra nationwide holiday.
While not impossible, it is considered highly unlikely that an additional bank holiday will be added for 2026. Such proclamations are typically reserved for exceptional national events, such as a royal coronation or a major jubilee celebration.
The Complete 2026 Bank Holiday Calendar for England
Here is the full schedule of remaining public holidays for England this year. Mark these dates in your calendar to help plan your time off and make the most of your long weekends.
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, August 31 - Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Planning Your Time Off in Birmingham
For residents across Birmingham, these bank holidays offer cherished pauses from work and a chance to enjoy local events, spend time with family, or simply recharge. With the dates now confirmed, you can start to look at booking travel, planning activities, or coordinating time off around these statutory breaks.
Remember, while these are the official bank holidays for England, individual employers may have variations, so it's always wise to double-check your workplace's specific holiday policy. Now, with the full list in hand, you can confidently look forward to your next well-earned day of rest.
