Brits could enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in 2025 to celebrate 80 years since the end of the Second World War – a Mirror poll shows most Brits are keen for an extra day off to mark the occasion
The UK could be given an extra Bank Holiday in 2025 to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
A commemorative Bank Holiday may be introduced with a four-day weekend planned to mark the milestone moment.
A four-day festivity is expected to coincide with May 8, as the nation marks Victory in Europe Day – the momentous date in 1945 when Germany surrendered. It will also honour August 14, the day Japan conceded defeat.
The most popular dates for the occasion would be for May 9 and 12, or linking August 22 with the existing summer Bank Holiday on August 25 for a four-day break. An overwhelming number of Brits have said they would support a new Bank Holiday.
In a poll conducted by the Mirror ahead of Christmas, 73% of respondents backed having a special day, whilst just 13% were opposed to a day marking the end of global hostilities. After being asked, ‘do you believe that younger generations know enough, too little or too much about the sacrifices made by their predecessors during WWII?’, 66% said they thought young people were not as aware as they should be.
And just 20% believed the younger generation knows the right amount about the suffering and sacrifice British people endured during the war. VJ day – or Victory over Japan Day – marks the end of the Second World War, when President Harry Truman declared hostilities were over on August 14, 1945, sparking worldwide celebrations.
Dick Goodwin, Vice President of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating with the remaining Second World War heroes – they deserve Britain’s gratitude and respect for their courage and sacrifice. We are looking forward to the Bank Holiday and stand ready to help.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said previously: “The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day will be moments of huge significance for our country, and the Government is committed to commemorating the occasions appropriately. That is why we have announced more than £10 million for events. We will announce the Government’s plans to mark the occasion shortly.”
