Early May bank holiday 2023
Do you get the day off?
- The date, and why
- Early May Bank Holiday 2026 falls on Monday, May 4 — the first Monday of May. This creates a 3-day long weekend (Sat May 2 – Mon May 4).
- Where it counts as statutory
- Nationwide (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). All government offices, banks, and schools close. Most businesses observe the holiday.
- What closes
- Banks, government offices, and most businesses close. Shops and supermarkets typically have reduced hours. Public transport runs on a Sunday or holiday schedule.
- Where the name comes from
- The Early May Bank Holiday was introduced in 1978 to replace Whit Monday (a moveable Christian feast). It falls near May Day, traditionally celebrated with maypole dancing and spring festivals.
Same holiday, other years
Nearby in United Kingdom
Read from GOV.UK Bank Holidays · Last checked 2026-08-28 · Report a wrong date →