Millions across the UK are preparing to ignore public health warnings and flock to bars and restaurants tonight for Mad Friday, the last Friday before Christmas, despite a significant superflu sweeping the nation.
Record Numbers Expected for Festive Night Out
New research from taxi firm Veezu indicates that a staggering 18 million Britons – approximately 34% of the adult population – plan to head out for celebrations. This marks an increase of around half a million people compared to last year's festivities. The data comes as hospital admissions for the superflu in England have risen by 55% week-on-week, yet public appetite for the traditional night out appears undimmed.
Who is Heading Out and Where?
The survey provides a detailed breakdown of the nation's party plans. Young adults aged 25-34 are the most eager, with three in five (60%) confirming their attendance. In contrast, only 18% of those aged 55 and above plan to join the revelry. Men are also more likely to venture out, with 39% of male respondents having plans compared to 30% of women.
Geographically, some cities are set to be hotspots. Birmingham and Nottingham lead the way, with 39% of residents planning a night out. They are closely followed by Manchester and Sheffield, where 35% of people intend to celebrate. Veezu's data from last year confirms these cities were among 22 that saw record taxi ride numbers on Mad Friday.
Work Christmas Parties Also See Major Resurgence
The research also highlights a substantial rebound in office Christmas parties. This year, 47% of workers will attend their work's festive bash, a significant jump from just 35% in 2024. This equates to an estimated 6.5 million more people celebrating with colleagues.
Once again, 25-34 year olds are the most likely attendees, with only a quarter declining their invitation. The biggest year-on-year increase, however, was seen among the youngest workers (18-24), with attendance rising from 40% to 50%.
Sally Krouma from Veezu urged party-goers to plan their travel carefully. "Our latest data shows that over half a million more Brits are set to party the night away this year, so we’re expecting taxis to be in even more demand," she explained. "It’s important to be prepared. We’re encouraging party-goers to plan ahead to ensure they can enjoy the night without any travel worries."
