How Many Bank Holidays Are There in the UK in 2026? Full List and What to Expect

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The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most iconic celebrations, from centuries-old traditions to modern cultural festivals that attract millions of visitors each year. Whether you live in the UK or are planning a trip in 2026, understanding the country’s biggest holidays and events will help you plan travel, book accommodation early, and enjoy the best that British culture has to offer.

This guide highlights the top 30 holidays and festivals in the UK in 2026, including national bank holidays, historic celebrations, music festivals, cultural events, and seasonal traditions. It delivers the key dates, descriptions, and useful insights to help you make the most of the UK’s vibrant calendar.

Top 30 Holidays and Festivals in the UK for 2026

Top 30 Holidays and Festivals in the UK for 2026

Below is a curated list of the most celebrated, most attended, and culturally significant events across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

1. New Year’s Day – 1 January 2026

Celebrated nationwide, New Year’s Day marks the start of the year with fireworks, parades, and family gatherings. London’s New Year’s Day Parade remains a world-class spectacle with performers from around the globe.

2. Hogmanay (Scotland) – 31 December 2025 to 1 January 2026

One of the world’s most famous New Year celebrations. Edinburgh hosts torchlight processions, concerts, and street parties that continue into New Year’s Day.

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3. Burns Night – 25 January 2026

A Scottish cultural celebration honouring poet Robert Burns. Traditional dinners include haggis, whisky, poetry performances, and folk music.

Traditional Burns Night Menu

4. Valentine’s Day – 14 February 2026

A popular celebration across the UK with romantic dinners, hotel getaways, and seasonal events designed for couples.

5. St David’s Day (Wales) – 1 March 2026

A national day celebrating Wales’ patron saint. Parades, school events, and cultural displays fill cities like Cardiff and Swansea.

6. St Patrick’s Day – 17 March 2026

Celebrated across the UK, especially in Northern Ireland, with parades, concerts, green-themed events, and Irish cultural celebrations.

7. Mother’s Day (Mothering Sunday) – 15 March 2026

A major UK celebration where families honour mothers with meals, gifts, and gatherings. Restaurants and florists see peak demand.

8. Good Friday – 3 April 2026

A key Christian holiday marked by church services and public processions. It is also a bank holiday across the UK.

9. Easter Sunday – 5 April 2026

Widely celebrated with church services, family activities, chocolate egg hunts, and seasonal events in parks, farms, and theme parks.

10. Easter Monday – 6 April 2026

A bank holiday featuring leisure travel, family outings, and cultural events.

11. Early May Bank Holiday – 4 May 2026

Welcomes spring with street fairs, outdoor festivals, and coastal tourism. Often associated with Maypole dancing and traditional festivities.

12. Trooping the Colour – June 2026 (Exact Date TBD)

A major ceremonial event marking the official birthday of the British monarch. Thousands gather in London to see the military parade and Royal Family.

13. Spring Bank Holiday – 25 May 2026

A popular long weekend for travel, festivals, and outdoor activities across the UK.

14. Wimbledon Championships – Late June to Mid-July 2026

One of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. Tens of thousands attend daily, and millions watch globally.

15. Glastonbury Festival – June 2026 (Exact Date TBD)

The UK’s biggest music festival, known for world-class performers, arts, and cultural attractions. Tickets sell out instantly.

16. Summer Solstice at Stonehenge – 21 June 2026

Thousands gather at Stonehenge to witness the sunrise aligned with the ancient stones. A unique mix of spiritual, historical, and cultural celebration.

17. Notting Hill Carnival – 30–31 August 2026

Europe’s largest street festival. A vibrant Caribbean cultural event with parades, music, costumes, and food.

18. Pride in London – June/July 2026

One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations. A major parade, concerts, parties, and cultural programming across the city.

19. Edinburgh Festival Fringe – August 2026

The world’s largest arts festival, featuring comedy, theatre, dance, and street performances. Millions attend throughout August.

20. Summer Bank Holiday – 31 August 2026

A major holiday across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland observes its Summer Bank Holiday earlier in the month.

21. Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night) – 5 November 2026

Marking the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the UK lights up with fireworks, bonfires, and community events.

22. Remembrance Day – 11 November 2026

A solemn day honouring UK armed forces. Ceremonies are held nationwide, including at the Cenotaph in London.

23. Diwali – 8 November 2026

The Festival of Lights is widely celebrated across the UK, especially in cities with large South Asian communities like London, Leicester, and Birmingham.

lighting of candles and lanterns in Diwali

24. Halloween – 31 October 2026

A major event featuring parties, costumes, haunted attractions, and themed events for children and adults.

25. Christmas Eve – 24 December 2026

A festive day marked by last-minute shopping, family traditions, and Christmas markets.

26. Christmas Day – 25 December 2026

One of the biggest celebrations of the year. Families gather for meals, gifts, and religious observances.

27. Boxing Day – 26 December 2026

A day of sports, shopping sales, and family activities. Also a public holiday.

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28. New Year’s Eve – 31 December 2026

Fireworks, city parties, pub events, and countdowns make it one of the UK’s most festive nights.

29. Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) – 17 February 2026

London hosts the largest celebration outside Asia, with parades in Chinatown, dragon dances, and food festivals.

30. Hay Festival of Literature & Arts – May–June 2026

One of the world’s top literary festivals held in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, attracting renowned authors and creatives.

Why the UK’s Holiday and Festival Calendar Remains So Popular

The UK’s annual event calendar stands out because it blends:

• historical traditions

• modern cultural movements

• religious diversity

• music, theatre, and arts

• large-scale city festivals

• local and regional celebrations

This variety makes the UK a year-round destination for travellers and a source of constant excitement for residents.

Tips for Planning UK Festivals and Holidays in 2026

1. Book early

Major events like Glastonbury, Wimbledon, and Fringe require planning months in advance.

2. Avoid peak travel congestion

Bank holidays often bring transport delays and crowded attractions.

3. Check regional differences

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland celebrate certain holidays differently.

4. Prepare for the weather

Outdoor events in the UK can be unpredictable even in summer.

5. Look for free events

Many UK festivals offer free street performances, parades, and concerts.

Conclusion

The UK’s 2026 calendar is filled with iconic celebrations, cultural milestones, historic traditions, and world-class festivals. Whether you are interested in music, art, sport, history, or cultural diversity, the UK offers something memorable in every season. With 30 major holidays and festivals highlighted here, you can plan an unforgettable year of travel, entertainment, and cultural experiences.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest festival in the UK in 2026?

Glastonbury Festival remains the UK’s largest and most globally recognized festival.

2. Which UK holidays are bank holidays in 2026?

New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

3. What is the most famous cultural event in Scotland?

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, held every August.

4. Are UK festivals suitable for families?

Yes. Many events offer family-friendly areas, including Notting Hill Carnival, Pride events, and Christmas markets.

5. Is the UK busy during summer festivals?

Extremely. Summer is peak season for tourism and major festivals, so early planning is essential.