THE verdict on the proposed 4–day weekend to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end has been revealed.
It was speculated that Brits could see May 9 and 12 wiped free to allow nationwide celebrations, or August 22 bolted on to make the summer bank holiday on August 25 a four-day festival.
However, dreams of an extra day off for Brits have been unceremoniously quashed.
Despite a groundswell of support for a four-day bank holiday blowout, the Government has revealed there will be no additional public holiday this year.
Instead, the nation will be encouraged to mark this momentous milestone during the existing May bank holiday, a move sure to disappoint those who’d envisioned street parties, parades, and long weekend celebrations.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the decision, emphasising the Government’s commitment to commemorating VE Day and VJ Day “appropriately.”
They announced a £10million budget for national events but firmly ruled out the prospect of an extra bank holiday.
A government spokesperson said: “The 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan Day are moments of huge significance.
“We’ll honour them with fitting events, using the early May bank holiday for commemorative activities. There are no plans for an additional holiday.”
The soaring cost of granting extra bank holidays appears to be a decisive factor.
When Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee delivered a four-day celebration in 2022, it reportedly carried a staggering £2.4 billion economic impact.
Similar concerns might explain the Government’s reluctance to greenlight another day off, even for an occasion as historic as the anniversary of WWII’s conclusion.
Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8, 1945, marked Nazi Germany’s surrender, while Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on August 15 sealed the Allies’ triumph and brought the war to an end.
With around 70,000 WWII veterans still alive, next year could be the final major commemoration many will witness.
For surviving veterans, the lack of an extra bank holiday is a bitter pill to swallow.
Geoff Roberts, 99, a survivor of Operation Market Garden, expressed his disappointment.
He told MyLondon: “I think it’s very important to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.
“An extra bank holiday could’ve helped people reflect on that sacrifice.”
Marie Scott, 98, who worked tirelessly in a secret D-Day communications bunker, also championed the idea of a day off to honour the war effort.
She said: “It’s a chance to thank those who secured the victory. Without them, the future could’ve been very grim indeed.”
The decision to forgo an extra bank holiday bucks recent trends.
In 2022, Brits enjoyed a Platinum Jubilee extravaganza, while King Charles III’s coronation last May also saw the nation gifted an extra day off.
The late Queen’s funeral on September 19, 2022, was similarly marked as a public holiday, with millions pausing to pay their respects.
However, in 2020, the early May bank holiday was simply moved to coincide with VE Day’s 75th anniversary, rather than adding a new date to the calendar.
Critics at the time argued the occasion warranted a proper day of its own—a debate that’s now resurfaced.
As it stands, next year’s calendar remains unchanged, with eight public holidays on the books.
The early May bank holiday will serve as the focal point for WWII anniversary commemorations.
For the dwindling ranks of the Greatest Generation, the decision may feel like a missed chance to ensure their sacrifice is remembered in the way it deserves.
For everyone else, it’s business as usual—back to work, and no long weekend in sight.
Here are the eight bank holiday dates scheduled for 2025
Friday 18 April: Good Friday
Monday 21 April: Easter Monday
Monday 5 May: Early May Bank Holiday
Monday 25 August: Summer Bank Holiday
Thursday 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday 26 December: Boxing Day
