Today marks St George’s Day, a celebration honoring St George, the patron saint of England. Known for its cultural and historical significance, the day also coincides with the birth and death of William Shakespeare—although the exact dates are often debated. Despite its deep-rooted connections to English identity, St George’s Day is not recognized as a public holiday in the UK, sparking ongoing discussions about its potential designation as a bank holiday.
The Call for a Bank Holiday
Over the years, there have been numerous campaigns advocating for St George’s Day to be made a public holiday. In 2017, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn championed the idea, proposing that each of the UK’s four patron saints should have their own bank holiday. This suggestion has garnered mixed responses, reflecting the broader debate over public holidays in the UK.
Currently, the UK observes eight bank holidays annually, with occasional additional days for significant events, such as the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023 and Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee the year before. For comparison, the average number of public holidays in European Union countries stands at 11.
Keir Starmer’s Position
Last year, when pressed on whether St George’s Day could become a bank holiday, Labour leader Keir Starmer acknowledged the appeal but expressed caution given the economic climate. “A bank holiday would be very nice,” Starmer said, “but with the economy where it is, we have to focus on the work we’re doing to move the country forward.”
His response underscored a prevailing sentiment that while St George’s Day is culturally significant, there are other pressing issues that need attention in the current economic landscape.
Celebrating St George’s Day Across the UK
Though it may not be a bank holiday, St George’s Day is still celebrated with various events throughout England. In London, Leadenhall Market hosts traditional Morris dancing, where groups like the Ewell St. Mary’s Morris Men perform jigs and dances to mark the occasion. These displays of cultural pride highlight the day’s significance, even if it remains absent from the official calendar of public holidays.
A Broader Discussion of UK Bank Holidays
While England lacks a designated holiday for St George’s Day, other parts of the UK observe additional public holidays to commemorate their patron saints. Scotland celebrates St Andrew’s Day on November 30, with a substitute day if it falls on a weekend. Northern Ireland recognizes St Patrick’s Day on March 17 and the Battle of the Boyne on July 12. In Wales, St David’s Day (March 1) has also been a subject of discussion, with some politicians calling for it to become an official bank holiday, provided that another day is removed from the calendar.
The financial implications of adding more public holidays are a key concern. According to government modeling from 2022, the cost of an additional bank holiday each year is estimated at £1.36 billion, with PwC suggesting the figure could be closer to £831 million. These figures have made policymakers cautious about expanding the bank holiday calendar, even when proposals are rooted in national pride and cultural recognition.
Looking Ahead
Despite the lack of a St George’s Day bank holiday, the UK will observe several upcoming public holidays. The Early May Bank Holiday will take place on Monday, May 5, followed by the Spring Bank Holiday on May 26. In Northern Ireland, a substitute day for the Battle of the Boyne will be observed on Monday, July 14. Scotland will observe St Andrew’s Day on December 1, and the year will close with Christmas and Boxing Day holidays.
As debates continue over the future of St George’s Day as a public holiday, the question remains whether national pride will eventually lead to a formal recognition of the day in the UK’s holiday calendar. For now, St George’s Day will continue to be a celebration of English heritage, albeit without the official status of a bank holiday.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in the UK:
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Monday, May 5 – Early May Bank Holiday
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Monday, May 26 – Spring Bank Holiday
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Monday, July 14 – Battle of the Boyne/Orangemen’s Day (Substitute Day – Northern Ireland only)
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Monday, August 25 – Summer Bank Holiday
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Monday, December 1 – St Andrew’s Day (Substitute Day – Scotland only)
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Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day
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Friday, December 26 – Boxing Day
