It is a time of storytelling, seasonal rituals, spiritual celebrations, and community events. Though the UK doesn’t feature a national public holiday during October, the month is packed with significant happenings—cultural festivals, school breaks, literary showcases, and some of the most vibrant community-led events of the year.

This guide delivers a detailed overview of the most important festivals, observances, and public activities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in October 2025. Whether you’re a parent planning the school break, a marketer creating content, a traveller exploring the UK, or a teacher designing a curriculum, this calendar is your go-to resource.

Read more: USA Calendar October 2025 – Full List of Festivals & Holidays

UK Calendar October 2025 – Full List of Festivals & Holidays
UK Calender October 2025

Are There Any Public Holidays in October 2025?

There are no official bank holidays in the UK in October. However, school half-term breaks and major cultural observances such as Diwali, Halloween, Apple Day, and Black History Month create a lively rhythm for the season.

School Holidays – October 2025

England & Wales

  • Autumn Half-Term: Monday 27 October – Friday 31 October 2025

  • Expect a surge in domestic tourism, family-friendly activities in museums, theatres, libraries, zoos, and National Trust sites. Cities roll out Halloween events, farm experiences, and festivals geared toward kids.

Scotland

  • Known traditionally as the “Tattie Holiday”, this mid-autumn break has agricultural roots.

  • Common dates: Monday 13 October – Friday 17 October 2025

  • Many families take the opportunity for a UK staycation or outdoor trips into the Highlands, lochs, and islands.

Northern Ireland

  • Mid-Term Break: Monday 27 October – Friday 31 October 2025

  • Local councils often support community fairs, arts events, and Halloween-themed activities.

Major UK Festivals and Events – October 2025

1. BFI London Film Festival

  • Location: London

  • Dates: 8–19 October 2025

  • The UK's leading celebration of global cinema, organised by the British Film Institute. It features:

    • Red carpet premieres

    • Independent film screenings

    • Emerging talent showcases

    • Industry panels and networking

  • Ideal for cinephiles, creators, and those tracking Oscars buzz.

2. Cheltenham Literature Festival

  • Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

  • Dates: 3–12 October 2025

  • The world’s first literature festival and a cornerstone of the UK’s cultural calendar. Highlights include:

    • Author readings and talks

    • Political and current affairs panels

    • Children’s book events

    • Book signings, workshops, and literary debates

3. Diwali (Deepavali)

  • Date: Sunday 19 October 2025

  • Celebrated widely in Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities throughout the UK.

  • Notable celebrations in:

    • Leicester – Europe’s largest Diwali celebration with a Golden Mile light switch-on, street food, and fireworks.

    • London (Southall & Trafalgar Square) – Cultural performances, rangoli art, and diya (lamp) displays.

    • Birmingham – Soho Road Festival and temple ceremonies.

  • Themes: Triumph of light over darkness, family gatherings, gift-giving, and temple visits.

4. Halloween (Samhain)

  • Date: Friday 31 October 2025

  • Widespread across the UK. Activities include:

    • Haunted house tours in Edinburgh, York, and London

    • Pumpkin picking and carving festivals

    • Themed tea parties and spooky menus in restaurants

    • Ghost walks, pub crawls, and late-night museum openings

    • Trick-or-treating in family-friendly suburbs

5. Apple Day

  • Date: Tuesday 21 October (Observed throughout the month)

  • Originated in 1990 by Common Ground. Celebrates the diversity of British apples and orchards.

  • Held at farms, nature reserves, markets, and schools.

  • Features:

    • Cider tastings

    • Apple bobbing

    • Traditional games

    • Seasonal markets

    • Live folk music and craft stalls

6. Black History Month

  • Dates: 1–31 October 2025 (in England, Wales, Northern Ireland)

  • Scotland observes Black History Month in October and again in March.

  • Activities include:

    • Museum exhibitions

    • Poetry slams

    • Lectures and public talks

    • Music and dance showcases

    • School learning modules and heritage storytelling

UK Calendar October 2025 – Full List of Festivals & Holidays
What to do during October half term 2025 in the UK

Religious & Cultural Observances

  • Yom Kippur (2–3 October 2025): Jewish Day of Atonement; observed with fasting, prayer, and reflection.

  • Sukkot (6–13 October 2025): Jewish harvest celebration in outdoor booths (sukkahs).

  • Navaratri (29 Sept – 7 Oct): A Hindu festival of nine nights celebrating goddess Durga.

  • Harvest Festival: Widely marked in schools and churches; involves food collections for local charities and community meals.

Awareness Campaigns & Health Initiatives

All Month:

  • Stoptober: A national stop-smoking campaign with NHS support, digital tools, and local events.

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Themed charity runs, fundraising challenges, pink-lit landmarks.

  • National Cholesterol Month: Heart health education via schools, GP practices, and health charities.

  • Go Sober for October: A Macmillan Cancer Support initiative encouraging alcohol-free fundraising.

  • ADHD Awareness Month: Promotes understanding, acceptance, and access to assessment resources.

Day-by-Day Calendar – October 2025 UK Highlights

Date Event / Observance Type
Oct 1 Black History Month begins Cultural / Educational
Oct 2–3 Yom Kippur Religious (Jewish)
Oct 3–12 Cheltenham Literature Festival Arts / Literary
Oct 6 Sukkot begins Religious (Jewish)
Oct 8–19 BFI London Film Festival Cultural / Cinema
Oct 13–17 Scottish School Half-Term School Holiday
Oct 19 Diwali (Deepavali) Religious / Cultural
Oct 21 Apple Day Cultural / Seasonal
Oct 27–31 School Half-Term (Eng, Wales, NI) School Holiday
Oct 31 Halloween Cultural / Seasonal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a bank holiday in October in the UK?

No, there is no official bank holiday in October. However, school half-terms create a similar impact on business, travel, and events.

When is Diwali celebrated in 2025 in the UK?

Diwali falls on Sunday, 19 October 2025. Celebrations typically span several days before and after the date, especially in major cities.

What’s the best UK city for Halloween events?

Edinburgh (Haunted Vault Tours), York (Ghost Walks), and London (Jack the Ripper Tours, themed parties) are Halloween hotspots.

What happens during Apple Day?

It celebrates British apples and orchards with family events, apple-themed games, cider tastings, and harvest fairs.

What are the top festivals to attend in October?

The top events include the BFI London Film Festival, Cheltenham Literature Festival, Diwali celebrations in Leicester, and Halloween.

Conclusion

October 2025 in the UK is a month rich in tradition, celebration, and community. Whether it’s the flicker of Diwali diyas, the rustle of fallen leaves at a harvest fair, the buzz of half-term family travel, or the eerie excitement of Halloween night, October is a time for connecting with history, heritage, and each other. For businesses, content creators, and everyday celebrants, it's a golden month of opportunity to engage, inspire, and reflect.

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