British 101: Bank Holidays and Celebrations

Studying in the UK can be an exciting experience filled with new cultures and traditions. One aspect of British life is the variety of public holidays and celebrations that take place throughout the year. As an international student, it’s essential to understand these holidays, not just for planning your schedule but also experiencing British culture firsthand. Read on to find handy information about public holidays and celebrations in the UK. 

If you’ve lived in the UK a longtime, don’t stop here as you might learn something new about our traditions and find this blog helpful for upcoming bank holidays.  

What are bank holidays? 

In the UK, we have eight official public holidays (commonly referred to as bank holidays) a year. These days are often linked to a significant historical, cultural or religious events.

During bank holidays, most institutions and businesses close or have limited opening hours. Make sure to check opening hours or travel timetables if you’re planning anything over a bank holiday weekend. You can find information about the University’s opening hours during a bank holiday on our website.

We also have other celebrations in the UK that aren’t public holidays but are a great opportunity to get involved in British culture. Read on to find out how a year in the UK could look for you.

January

New Year’s Day (1 January) 

This is the first bank holiday of the year. Celebrated with fireworks and festivities, New Year’s Day marks the start of the new year. People often reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the new one. Stores and

Get involved: Many people enjoy parties and spending time with family and friends on the evening of 31 December, and you may hear traditional songs like ‘Auld Lang Syne’ at midnight. Many cities host New Year events including London’s world-famous New Year’s celebration. It can often be expensive to visit London at this time, so many people choose to watch the spectacular firework display on the television.

February

Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday) 

This marks the last day before Lent. It was traditionally the last chance for a spot of indulgence before 40 days of fasting, and also an opportunity to use up food that couldn’t be eaten during Lent.

Get involved: Today, while lots of people still observe the religious aspect of Pancake Day, many use it as a perfect excuse to enjoy a pancake (or two!). If your pancaking flipping skills aren’t quite up to scratch, many restaurants and cafes will serve pancakes on their menus around this time.

Valentines Day (14 February) 

A day for love and affection between partners and friends. You’ll feel the love around Valentine’s Day here in the UK as lots of shops and restaurants like to decorate for the occasion and celebrate the occasion.

Get involved: Couple often give each other flowers, chocolates and heartfelt cards. Lots of restaurants will also offer special two person menus around this time of year. 

March

St David’s Day (1 March) 

Celebrating Wales’ patron saint, St. David, the day highlights Welsh culture. 

Get involved: Welsh people often wear daffodils and leeks, and you might find local events showcasing Welsh music and dance. Traditional food like cawl (welsh stew) and Welsh cakes are cooked on this day.

St Patrick’s Day (17 March) 

Celebrating Irish culture and heritage, this day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While the biggest celebrations will be in Ireland, you might feel some of the Irish energy in and around Salford. 

Get involved: Parades with music and dancing take place in many cities, including Manchester. Get yourself to one of the many Irish pubs in Manchester for some festivities and traditional Irish music. Don’t forget to wear green! 

April

April Fools’ Day (1 April) 

A day for harmless pranks and jokes. Jokesters often expose their actions by shouting “April Fools!” at the recipient. 

Get involved: Playful tricks among friends are common (as long as they’re good-natured!). Media outlets and organisations often join in the fun with fake stories and pranks, so don’t believe everything you see online on April Fools’ Day!

Easter (dates vary) 

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is one of the most important Christian holidays. Each year, the Easter weekend falls on a different date (any time between 22 March and April 25) as it depends on the moon. We have two bank holidays to mark Easter: Good Friday and Easter Monday, falling each side of Easter to make a four-day weekend. 

Get involved: Many people enjoy Easter brunch with friends and family. Look out for local events, and treat yourself to a chocolate egg.

St George’s Day (23 April) 

As England’s patron saint, St. George’s Day is marked with parades and celebrations of English heritage. 

Get involved: Enjoy traditional food and keep an eye out for local events. 

May

Early May Bank Holiday (first Monday of May)

This bank holiday often falls around 1 May (also referred to as May Day). It’s traditionally celebrated with maypole dancing, which involves children dancing around a tall pole decorated with colourful ribbons. 

Get involved: Enjoy the warming British weather (if we’re lucky) over this three-day weekend. 

Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday of May) 

Spring bank holiday (also called the Late May bank holiday). Another long weekend! 

Get involved: This usually marks the start of outdoor events in the UK as the weather starts to get warmer, look out for local outdoor events and festivals. 

June-July

Summer Equinox (around 21 June) 

The longest day of the year! It occurs when one of Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun, meaning that the sun rises early and sets late. The most famous is the celebration at the ancient monument of Stonehenge, where around 10,000 people gather to watch the sunrise. 

Get involved: Make the most of the longest day by getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Find ideas of what do in and around Salford on our blog including how to make connections and how to explore the city for free.

August-September

August Bank Holiday (last Monday of August) 

This marks the end of summer for many people in the UK. It’s right before the start of the academic year so it’s a great opportunity to unwind and make the most of the last of the warm weather. 

Get involved: Many festivals and sporting events take place of this bank holiday. It’s also a great opportunity to relax with friends and visit outdoor spaces before we welcome the colder weather.

October

Halloween (31 October) 

Like many countries around the world, the UK gets into the spooky spirit with Halloween. 

Get involved: Trick-or-treating, dressing up, and pumpkin carving are popular. Look out for local events. 

November

Bonfire Night (5 November) 

Commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, Bonfire night involves bonfires and fireworks. 

Get involved: Many people gather with friends to attend a local firework display. They’re often held in local parks and outdoor spaces so look out for one near you. Enjoy traditional food like toffee apples. 

St Andrew’s Day (30 November) 

Scotland’s national day celebrates St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. 

Get involved: Many people in Scotland will celebrate with traditional Scottish music, dancing and food. 

December

Christmas Day (25 December) 

Christmas in the UK is a magical time. The University closes over this period to give students and staff time to enjoy the festivities and have a well-earned break at the end of the year. On Christmas Day most businesses are closed.

Get involved: There’s so much to do in the UK in the run up to Christmas. Many people spend this time with their loved ones enjoying food, gift-giving and celebrating the year. Manchester Christmas Markets are amongst the best in the world and are definitely worth a visit! Keep an eye out for lots of events around the Christmas period. 

Boxing Day (26 December) 

The day after Christmas is traditionally a time for relaxation and/or shopping. Many stores start their winter sale, which sees items being reduced in price. Keep an eye on your local supermarkets and shop opening times as they could be open at slightly different times or closed.

Get involved: Many people enjoy leftovers and spending time with friends and family. The day is also known for sporting events, particularly football matches.