Government Urged to Close 121-Day Bank Holiday Gap
A proposal for a new autumn bank holiday is being considered to address the 121-day gap between the August bank holiday and Christmas Day in England and Wales. The Labour Party government faces pressure to act on this issue, as highlighted by a petition on the Parliament website.
Petition Calls for Autumn Bank Holiday
The petition urges the government to decide on an autumn bank holiday date and implement it for England and Wales. It states: "With 121 days between the August Bank Holiday and Christmas Day (25th Dec), this is the longest stretch in the calendar year without a Bank Holiday break in England & Wales. Giving everyone an Autumn Bank Holiday would even the spread of holidays in the year."
The petition suggests that the public or Parliament could decide the purpose of the new holiday, such as Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfire Night, or mental health awareness. It is currently open for signatures. If it reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Current Bank Holiday Schedule
Bank holiday dates vary across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, so it is important to check carefully. Upcoming bank holidays in England and Wales for 2026 include:
- Summer bank holiday: August 31
- Christmas Day: December 25
- Boxing Day: December 28 (substitute day as Boxing Day falls on a weekend)
In 2027, bank holidays will include:
- New Year's Day: January 1
- Good Friday: March 26
- Easter Monday: March 29
- Early May bank holiday: May 3
- Late spring bank holiday: May 31
- Summer bank holiday: August 30
- Christmas Day substitute: December 27
- Boxing Day substitute: December 28
The petition highlights that the long gap between August and December holidays could be alleviated by introducing an autumn break, providing a more balanced distribution of public holidays throughout the year.
