How Many Bank Holidays Were There in 2017? A Complete Breakdown
Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your friendly Holiday Little Assistant here. So, you’re curious about how many bank holidays the UK had back in 2017? Maybe you’re planning a throwback trip or just feeling nostalgic—whatever the reason, I’ve got the full scoop for you. Let’s dive into the details!
How Many Bank Holidays Were There in 2017?
In 2017, England and Wales had a total of eight bank holidays. Scotland enjoyed an extra day, bringing their total to nine, while Northern Ireland topped the list with ten. Here’s the full breakdown:
England & Wales (8 days):
– New Year’s Day (January 2nd, observed since the 1st was a Sunday)
– Good Friday (April 14th)
– Easter Monday (April 17th)
– Early May Bank Holiday (May 1st)
– Spring Bank Holiday (May 29th)
– Summer Bank Holiday (August 28th)
– Christmas Day (December 25th)
– Boxing Day (December 26th)
Scotland (9 days):
– Same as above, plus St. Andrew’s Day (November 30th, observed on December 4th)
Northern Ireland (10 days):
– All of England/Wales’ holidays, plus St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) and the Battle of the Boyne (July 12th).
Why Do Bank Holidays Vary Across the UK?
You might wonder why Scotland and Northern Ireland get extra days. It’s all about local traditions! Scotland honors its patron saint (St. Andrew), while Northern Ireland celebrates its cultural history with St. Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne. England and Wales stick to the standard eight, though some folks argue they deserve a patron saint holiday too (looking at you, St. George!).
Did 2017 Have Any Special Holiday Quirks?
Yep! Since New Year’s Day fell on a Sunday in 2017, the holiday rolled over to Monday, January 2nd. This “substitute day” rule applies to Christmas and Boxing Day too—if they land on a weekend, the next weekday becomes the bank holiday. Handy, right?
Also, the Early May Bank Holiday (May 1st) sparked some debate. Some wanted it moved to align with International Workers’ Day, but tradition won out.
How Does 2017 Compare to Other Years?
Most years, England and Wales get eight bank holidays—2017 was no exception. But in 2022, an extra day was added for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, proving holidays can change for big events. Scotland and Northern Ireland usually keep their bonus days unless new traditions pop up.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a retro vacation, 2017 was a solid year—no major disruptions, just classic holiday vibes.
FAQs About 2017 Bank Holidays
Q: Was there a royal wedding bank holiday in 2017?
Nope! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in 2018, so no extra day off in 2017.
Q: Did Brexit affect 2017 holidays?
Not at all—the Brexit referendum was in 2016, and the chaos came later. 2017’s holidays were blissfully politics-free.
Q: Could holidays fall on weekends?
Absolutely, but as mentioned, they’d roll over to the next weekday. No lost days off!
That wraps up our 2017 bank holiday flashback! Whether you’re researching for trivia night or just love a good calendar deep dive, I hope this helped. Until next time, keep counting those days till the next long weekend!
FAQpro—Thanks for reading! Got more holiday questions? Hit me up anytime. Your Holiday Little Assistant is always on duty.
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