Late Summer Bank Holiday
Take advantage of the perfect opportunity to soak up the last of the summer sun, make memories with loved ones, and unwind before the autumn.
Taking place on the last Monday in August, the Late Summer Bank Holiday in the UK is a public holiday that was originally introduced as a way to give workers an extra day off at the end of the summer season, and it is still celebrated in this way today.
Some people use the holiday as a chance to take a short vacation, while others use it to spend time with friends and family or to participate in local events and activities. Regardless of how it is celebrated, the Late Summer Bank Holiday is a much-anticipated and much-needed break for many in the UK, and it is a great time to enjoy the warm, sunny weather and all that the country has to offer.
History of the Late Summer Bank Holiday
The Late Summer Bank Holiday in the UK was introduced in the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which established four bank holidays in England, Wales, and Ireland. The Act was passed in an effort to improve the living and working conditions of industrial workers, who often worked long hours in difficult and dangerous conditions. The Act designated the first Monday in May, the first Monday in August, the first Monday in December, and Boxing Day (December 26th) as bank holidays.
Although the Late Summer Bank Holiday, also known as the August Bank Holiday, was originally celebrated on the first Monday in August, it was later moved to the last Monday in August in the 1970s as part of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act of 1971. This Act also established the Spring Bank Holiday, which is celebrated on the last Monday in May, and it moved the May Bank Holiday from the first Monday in May to the last Monday in May. The Act was intended to give workers more three-day weekends throughout the year, and it has been widely celebrated in the UK ever since.
How to Celebrate the Late Summer Bank Holiday
There are several different ways for people in the United Kingdom to celebrate the Late Summer Bank Holiday. Some use the time as an opportunity to relax, either by staying at home or by going on a short trip. Others use the holiday to be with loved ones, and may participate in activities such as barbecues, picnics, or outdoor sports.
The Late Summer Bank Holiday is also a popular time for travel, and many in the UK take the opportunity to visit other parts of the country or to go abroad. During this time, retailers are often known to hold Bank Holiday sales, giving people an excuse to go out to do some shopping and take advantage of special deals and discounts.
