2025 bank holidays: UK to get extra bank holidays to mark anniversary of major event - how many will there be?

• The UK could gain an extra bank holiday in 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end
• The occasion will honour Victory in Europe Day on 8 May and Victory over Japan Day on 15 August 15
• Plans under consideration include a four-day weekend in May or extending the summer bank holiday in August
• The celebrations aim to reflect the spirit of past nationwide events like the Platinum Jubilee
• An official announcement on the date and details of the celebrations is expected soon

The UK could be poised to receive an extra bank holiday in 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of two historically significant events.

A four-day weekend is reportedly in the works for next year, to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II, reports the Daily Express.

The occasion will commemorate two pivotal moments in history: Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

No final decision has yet been made on the exact day the extra day off work could fall, but the government is reportedly considering two options.

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Two bank holidays could be created on 9 and 12 May, or 22 August might be attached to the existing summer bank holiday weekend. An official announcement is expected soon.

VE Day, observed on 8 May, marks the formal surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, while VJ Day on August 15 celebrates Japan’s surrender, which effectively ended the deadliest conflict in human history.

An additional bank holiday would allow communities across the UK to gather and honour the sacrifices made during the war, and the celebrations are expected to mirror the nationwide spirit seen during the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III, both of which featured extended public holidays.

For many, this will be the last significant opportunity to thank the dwindling number of WWII veterans, now estimated to be around 70,000. The war, which claimed 450,000 British lives, remains a defining moment in history.

Eight public holidays are already scheduled for 2025, with the first falling on 1 January before Good Friday and Easter Sunday on 18 and 21 April.

Further bank holidays will then take place on 5 and 26 May, 25 August, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

What do you think about the prospect of an extra bank holiday to commemorate such a historic milestone? Should it fall in May or August, and how would you celebrate this special occasion? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.