New demands have emerged for an additional bank holiday in England next year to commemorate a 'momentous occasion' in the nation's history. The UK Government has announced the standard eight bank holidays for England and Wales in 2027. Two of these will be 'shifted' because Christmas Day, December 25, and Boxing Day, December 26, both fall on weekends. Replacement bank holidays will consequently take place on Monday and Tuesday, December 27 and 28.
Bank holidays can only be altered, or indeed introduced, by Royal Proclamation - solely the King possesses the authority to relocate a bank holiday or incorporate additional ones into the calendar. For instance, earlier this year Buckingham Palace announced Scotland will observe an extra bank holiday today, June 15, owing to the nation securing qualification for this year's World Cup.
And now a petition has been launched, demanding an additional bank holiday for England next year. Petition organiser Derek Hilling said: "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. The Government should also support organising celebrations for that day."
He continued to clarify: "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."
At the time of publication, the petition has garnered 1,330 signatures. Anyone wishing to sign it has until 11 September 2026 to do so. If the petition garners 10,000 signatures, it will receive an official government response. If it accumulates 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
