May Day bank holiday to move back four days to Friday to mark 75th anniversary of VE Day
'It is our duty to keep the events of the past alive in collective memory'
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The early May Day bank holiday will be moved back four days next year to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day - is marked on 8 May and commemorates the Allies accepting the surrender of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
The May Day bank holiday is traditionally held on a Monday but will be put back to the Friday and form part of a three-day weekend of commemorative events.
Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said it was a "fitting" idea.
He said: "It is our duty to keep the events of the past alive in collective memory, including future generations - this is how we ensure that such a conflict never happens again.
"It is our hope that the nation takes a moment to reflect on the significance of this date, as a milestone that changed the course of history for the whole world."
The announcement follows events across the UK and France to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
As part of the VE Day commemorations, more than 20,000 pubs will encourage drinkers to toast the heroes of the war while churches will take part in a “Ringing Out For Peace”.
The bank holiday will move in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not necessarily in Scotland as bank holidays are devolved to Holyrood.
Greg Clark, the business secretary, said moving the bank holiday was a "right and fitting tribute".
He added: "VE Day marked an historic moment in not only our nation's but the world's history and it is important that we commemorate this great occasion on its 75th anniversary.
"Honouring those who did their duty - whether on the battlefields of Europe or through their efforts and sacrifices here at home."
The May Day bank holiday has only ever been moved once before, when it was shifted from 1 May to 8 May in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.
Press Association
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments