Call for extra 2027 bank holiday to mark 'significant day' for England
'So that all the people of England can celebrate this occasion'
There are new calls for an extra bank holiday in England next year to mark a 'significant day' in the country's history.
The UK Government has confirmed the usual eight bank holidays for England (and Wales) in 2027.
Two of these will 'move' due to Christmas Day, December 25, and Boxing Day, December 26, falling on weekends. Substitute bank holidays will therefore fall on Monday and Tuesday, December 27 and 28.
Bank holidays can only be changed, or indeed added, by Royal Proclamation - only the King can move a bank holiday or add extra ones to the calendar.
For example, earlier this year Buckingham Palace confirmed Scotland will observe an additional bank holiday on June 15, due to the nation qualifying in this year's World Cup - the first time it has done so in some 28 years.
And now a new petition has been launched, calling for an extra 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 went on to explain: "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 584 signatures. Anyone who wishes to sign it has until September 11, 2026 to do so.
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures it will receive an official government response. Should it amass 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
