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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Kathryn Williams

May Bank Holiday 2020: Why the first one is moving to a Friday this year

The May bank holiday weekend is coming up but this year it will look a little different.

2020's May Day holiday will be moved back four days to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Last year the then business secretary - Greg Clark - announced that it would change from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8.

The May Day bank holiday has only ever been moved once before, when it was shifted from May 1 to May 8 in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

What is VE day?

VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day - is marked on May 8 and commemorates the Allies accepting the surrender of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

May 8, 1945, was the date when Allied Forced formally accepted Germany's surrender, marking the end of history's bloodiest ever conflict.

What has happened about celebrations during the coronavirus pandemic?

Naturally there were a series of celebrations planned to mark the event but they have now been cancelled or postponed.

The official VE Day Celebrations website is encouraging taking part in the Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WW2 on May 8 at 3pm.

It just involves, from the safety of your own home, raising a glass and toasting ' to those who gave so much, we thank you.'

Other plans included a display by the Red Arrows and a Battle of Britain memorial flight above Buckingham Palace.

A procession was set to take place down The Mall, and St James’s Park was to be be turned into Victory Park, featuring examples of what life in Britain was like during the Second World War.

And also, pubs were due to stay open later, until 1am.

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