'Public holidays are a big part of UK culture. There aren't many, so when they do come along everyone is determined to make the most of it - whether it's a snow fight at Christmas, a carnival in May or ice-cream on the beach in August. You'll also find plenty of traditional UK celebrations to enjoy on bank holidays and weekends all year round.'
The main UK public holidays are Christmas, Easter and New Years. There are also several bank holidays when banks and many work places are closed for the day.
The dates of UK public holidays differ slightly each year and the four UK countries have different numbers of bank holidays in total – eight in England and Wales, nine in Scotland and ten in Northern Ireland. Visit the Directgov website for a full list of bank holidays in the UK over the next three years.
Traditional UK celebrations
Celebrate one of the many UK festivals throughout the year:
• Bonfire Night (5 November) – Celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Experience spectacular fireworks and blazing bonfires as you try some delicious traditional food in organized events across the country.
• Burns Night (usually 25 January) - Get together with your fellow students and celebrate the life and works of Scottish writer Robert Burns with a traditional Burns Supper of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties.
• Eisteddfod Festival (early August) – The largest cultural event of its kind in Europe, Eistefffod is a Welsh celebration of music, literature and performance. Enjoy a great mix of talent competitions, concerts, plays and exhibitions. There are many more traditional UK celebrations and festivities for you to enjoy all year round. Your institution or student union are likely to organize activities to help you celebrate some of the major events, or you could check your local newspaper listings to find out what’s happening in the UK region you’re studying in.
The dates of UK public holidays differ slightly each year and the four UK countries have different numbers of bank holidays in total – eight in England and Wales, nine in Scotland and ten in Northern Ireland. Visit the Directgov website for a full list of bank holidays in the UK over the next three years.
Traditional UK celebrations
Celebrate one of the many UK festivals throughout the year:
• Bonfire Night (5 November) – Celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Experience spectacular fireworks and blazing bonfires as you try some delicious traditional food in organized events across the country.
• Burns Night (usually 25 January) - Get together with your fellow students and celebrate the life and works of Scottish writer Robert Burns with a traditional Burns Supper of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties.
• Eisteddfod Festival (early August) – The largest cultural event of its kind in Europe, Eistefffod is a Welsh celebration of music, literature and performance. Enjoy a great mix of talent competitions, concerts, plays and exhibitions. There are many more traditional UK celebrations and festivities for you to enjoy all year round. Your institution or student union are likely to organize activities to help you celebrate some of the major events, or you could check your local newspaper listings to find out what’s happening in the UK region you’re studying in.
