Summer bank holiday 2020
Do you get the day off?
- The date, and why
- Summer Bank Holiday 2026 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland falls on Monday, August 31 — the last Monday of August. In Scotland, it is Monday, August 3 — the first Monday of August.
- Where it counts as statutory
- Regional dates differ: Scotland celebrates on August 3 (first Monday), while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland celebrate on August 31 (last Monday). Check which applies to your location.
- What closes
- Banks, government offices, and most businesses close on the applicable date for each region. Major summer events like the Notting Hill Carnival (London) occur over this weekend in England.
- Where the name comes from
- The August bank holiday in England and Wales was created in 1871 and originally fell on the first Monday of August, like Scotland's still does. It was moved to the last Monday in 1965 for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Read from GOV.UK Bank Holidays · Last checked 2026-08-28 · Report a wrong date →