There are fresh calls for an additional bank holiday in England next year to honour a 'significant day' in the nation's history. The UK Government has confirmed the standard eight bank holidays for England and Wales in 2027. However, two of these will be moved because Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on weekends. Substitute bank holidays will take place on Monday and Tuesday, December 27 and 28.
Royal Proclamation Required
Bank holidays can only be altered or added by Royal Proclamation, meaning only the King can shift or introduce extra holidays. Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace announced an additional bank holiday for Scotland on June 15 due to the nation qualifying for the World Cup, the first such occurrence in 28 years.
Petition for July 12, 2027
A new petition, launched by Derek Hilling, demands an extra bank holiday in England on Monday, July 12, 2027. Hilling stated: 'Make Monday 12th July 2027 a bank holiday in England to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the birth of England, so that all the people of England celebrate this occasion.' He added that the Government should also support organizing celebrations for that day.
Hilling explained: 'It is recognised by many that the meeting arranged by King Æthelstan on 12th July 927 at Eamotum in Cumbria represents the original unification of the English people, it is rightly described as the Birth of England. After this date King Æthelstan styled himself as Rex Anglorum - King of the English. We believe the Government, by creating a bank holiday on that day, would indicate its recognition of this significant day in England's history and could allow most people in England to join in the celebrations.'
Petition Progress
As of publication, the petition has garnered 1,330 signatures. Signatures can be added until September 11, 2026. If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, it will trigger an official government response. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it could be considered for debate in Parliament.
