The Early May Bank Holiday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom marking the start of spring celebrations, with events like festivals, fairs, and outdoor activities.

Table of Contents

1. When is Early May Bank Holiday?
2. The History of Early May Bank Holiday?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?

When is Early May Bank Holiday?

The Early May Bank Holiday is observed on the first Monday of May each year in the United Kingdom.

The following is the list of the Early May Bank Holiday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Early May Bank Holiday?

The Early May Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom has historical roots tied to both ancient traditions and more modern labor movements.

The holiday traces back to ancient Celtic and Germanic festivals marking the beginning of summer. During the Middle Ages, May Day became a festive occasion for villages across Britain, featuring processions, Morris dancing, crowning the "May Queen".

Internationally, the Early May Bank Holiday is closely linked to International Workers' Day, celebrated globally on May 1. This movement commemorates the fight for workers' rights, particularly the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers advocated for an eight-hour workday, and the rise of labor unions and socialist movements in the late 19th century.

In 1978, the UK government officially designated the first Monday of May as a public holiday. The decision was influenced by both the cultural significance of May Day and the desire to honor workers' contributions to society.

While the holiday does not explicitly reference labor rights in the United Kingdom, its connection to International Workers' Day resonates globally.

What Do People Do on This Day?

The Early May Bank Holiday in the UK is celebrated in various ways, blending ancient traditions, modern leisure, and occasionally labor-related events.

In some places, children and adults participate in traditional maypole dances, where they weave ribbons around a pole in intricate patterns.

Morris Dancing is a traditional English folk dance that has been performed for centuries, and the folk dance troupes perform lively routines, often accompanied by music, as part of the day's festivities.

Crowning of the May Queen is symbolizing the spirit of May, and young women are chosen to lead parades or ceremonies.

Many towns and villages host fairs, with food stalls, rides and games for families. Cities like London sometimes see marches or parades organized to celebrate labor rights or other social causes.

Families take advantage of the long weekend to visit parks or gardens, explore the countryside, and have picnics or barbecues.

For many, it's simply a day off to unwind and recharge, and they may spend the day reading, gardening or catching up on rest.