The Easter four-day bank holiday might be over, but many of us are already looking at our calendars to find out when the next long weekend will be.
In 2024, there are eight bank holidays in total across the UK. Since we've already had New Year's Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday, that leaves five more to look forward to. And luckily, the next one isn't too far away. The next UK bank holiday is the Early May bank holiday, which falls on Monday, May 6 this year. If you're wondering why we have a random bank holiday at the start of May, it originally started as a Roman festival celebrating the beginning of summer.
For many, the late May bank holiday weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Beer gardens, parks and coastal areas are anticipated to be packed with Britons eager to soak up the season's first extended spell of warmth and freedom. Despite this, England and Wales have among the lowest number of public holidays in Europe. France (11), Italy (11), Portugal (10) and Germany (9) still have more bank holidays, reports Surrey Live.
The UK comes second to last in the rankings alongside the Netherlands with just eight days off. Mexico is in last place, giving its employees a paltry seven days off.
Bank holidays left in 2024
Monday, May 6 - Early May bank holiday
Monday, May 27 - Spring bank holiday
Monday, August 26 - Summer bank holiday
Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day
Friday, December 26 - Boxing Day