Early May Bank Holiday 2026 — How Many Days Until Early May Bank Holiday?

Name: Early May Bank Holiday
Location: United Kingdom

About Early May Bank Holiday

The Early May Bank Holiday — also known as May Day bank holiday — falls on the first Monday of May in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1978 under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act and is the UK's way of recognising May Day, the international workers' holiday observed on 1 May.

May Day itself has ancient origins as a spring festival marking the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Traditional May Day celebrations include dancing around a maypole, crowning a May Queen, and morris dancing — customs that are still observed in many English villages. The political May Day tradition, originating in the international labour movement of the late 19th century, overlaps with these older rural customs.

The Early May Bank Holiday gives workers an extra long weekend at the start of May. It was briefly moved to the second Monday in some years, and in 2020 was moved to 8 May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. It is generally used for outdoor events, garden fairs, and community celebrations now that spring weather has reliably arrived.

The Early May Bank Holiday falls on the first Monday of May every year
It was introduced in 1978 — replacing a spring Whit Monday holiday
Traditional May Day activities include maypole dancing and crowning a May Queen
In 2020, it was moved to 8 May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day
May Day (1 May) is an international workers' holiday observed in over 80 countries

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Early May Bank Holiday?

The Early May Bank Holiday falls on the first Monday of May every year in the UK.

Is it the same as May Day?

The UK bank holiday is linked to May Day (1 May) but always falls on the first Monday of May rather than 1 May itself. This means it can be as early as 1 May or as late as 7 May.

What is a bank holiday?

A bank holiday is a public holiday in the UK on which banks, post offices, and most businesses close. Workers typically receive the day off with pay, or time off in lieu if they work.