Bank holiday 2018: Why do we have August bank holiday? When is it?
The summer holiday is coming to an end as kids get ready to head back to school, but first Britons can enjoy one final long weekend before autumn and darker days arrive. Why do we have the August bank holiday and when is it?
August bank holiday is a holiday observed on the last Monday in August in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, they had their Summer bank holiday on August 6, the first Monday this month. Bank holidays are generally on a Monday, and some shops and banks are closed.
The bank holidays were first introduced by the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which designated four holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five in Scotland.
Why do we have August bank holiday?
The August bank holiday was introduced as a way of giving workers a last chance to enjoy summer. Launched by Liberal politician Sir John Lubbock in 1871, Britons have enjoyed the public holiday for almost 150 years. Until 1971 the holiday was set to the first Monday of August, but was changed as it clashed with the traditional summer two weeks shut down.
Scotland has kept its original date.
The next public holiday this year is Christmas Day, 25 December, followed by Boxing Day, December 26.
The 2018 Bank holidays are New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, May Day, Late May bank holiday and Boxing Day.
Other public holidays include Good Friday and Christmas Day and are not included in the Bank Holiday Act as they were already recognised as public holidays under common law.
When is August bank holiday?
August bank holiday falls on Monday, 27 August.
The three-day break gives Britons a chance to enjoy the last days of summer, and there are plenty of events lined up for the weekend.
Among activities and events is the Notting Hill Carnival which takes place on 26-27 August.
There are also plenty of festivals happening around the nation, including Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Arundel Festival in West Sussex and the Robin Hood Festival in Nottingham.