UK bank holidays are set to change in 2026 and 2027, with Boxing Day being moved and additional substitute days being introduced. The adjustments are due to the dates of Christmas Day and Boxing Day falling on weekends.
Changes in 2026
In 2026, Boxing Day, which traditionally falls on December 26, will not be observed as a bank holiday because it lands on a Saturday. Instead, a substitute day off will be granted on Monday, December 28. This change has been confirmed by the Labour Party government website.
Changes in 2027
In 2027, New Year's Day on January 1 will be observed as a standard bank holiday. The Easter bank holidays will take place on March 26 and March 29. Further days off are scheduled for May 3, May 31, and August 30. Additionally, since Christmas Day 2027 falls on a Saturday and Boxing Day on a Sunday, two substitute days will be granted on December 27 and December 28.
Regional Variations
England and Wales have eight bank holidays, Scotland has nine, and Northern Ireland has ten. In 2023, an extra bank holiday was added on May 8 to mark the coronation of King Charles III. Previous extra bank holidays have been granted for the royal wedding in 2011 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Additional Holiday for Scotland
This year, Scotland will enjoy a bonus bank holiday, approved by King Charles, to celebrate Scotland's participation in the upcoming World Cup.
History of Bank Holidays
Bank holidays were first introduced in 1871 by Sir John Lubbock, a scientific writer, banker, and politician who was the first Baron of Avebury. He drafted the Bank Holiday Bill, which created the first official bank holidays.
