UK Bank Holidays - National Days

Wales honours St David with daffodils, leeks, and the melodic sounds of Welsh choirs. Craft fairs and handmade goods often feature prominently in the celebrations, showcasing the country’s creative spirit.

St David’s Day, celebrated annually on the 1st of March, honours Dewi Sant, the patron saint of Wales, and stands as a proud expression of Welsh identity and culture. Born around the 6th century, St David was a Celtic bishop and missionary who played a significant role in spreading Christianity throughout Wales and beyond. Renowned for his humility, piety, and wisdom, he founded numerous monastic communities, including one at St Davids in Pembrokeshire, which became a centre of spiritual life and pilgrimage.

The day itself is marked with national pride and heartfelt tradition. Across Wales, people celebrate by wearing daffodils and leeks—both powerful symbols of Welsh heritage. Schools and communities host parades, concerts, and Eisteddfod-style performances featuring music, poetry, and dance. Children often dress in traditional Welsh costume, and the red dragon of the Welsh flag is flown proudly from homes, civic buildings, and cultural institutions, reminding all of Wales' unique voice and history.

The life of St David is remembered not just for his religious achievements, but for his lasting message: “Do the little things in life.” This simple but profound advice continues to resonate with the Welsh people and beyond, encouraging kindness, service, and mindfulness in everyday actions. His miracles, including the most famous story of the ground rising beneath him so he could be seen by a large crowd, add to the spiritual richness of his legacy.

In modern times, St David’s Day is also a celebration of the arts and Welsh craftsmanship. Local markets, craft fairs, and exhibitions often accompany the festivities, showcasing the talent and creativity rooted in the Welsh landscape. From textiles and ceramics to music and storytelling, the cultural traditions associated with St David’s Day offer a vibrant space for expression and community gathering. It is a time when both ancient legends and contemporary voices come together in celebration.

For those in and outside Wales, St David’s Day serves as a reminder of the strength and beauty of cultural heritage. It invites people to connect with history, to honour community values, and to celebrate the enduring power of tradition. Whether marked with public celebration or quiet reflection, the day offers a meaningful pause in the calendar to recognise the heart of Wales and the legacy of its patron saint.

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Though widely celebrated around the world, St Patrick’s Day is deeply rooted in Irish culture. In Northern Ireland, you’ll find festivals filled with music, dance, and artisanal displays that reflect both tradition and modern creativity.

St Patrick’s Day, observed each year on the 17th of March, is a public holiday in Northern Ireland and a widely celebrated occasion across the region. It honours Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island during the 5th century. His legacy remains central to Irish spiritual and cultural identity, and the day dedicated to his memory is marked by both religious observance and festive celebration. As a bank holiday, it provides a meaningful pause in the calendar to reflect on shared heritage, faith, and community.

Religious services are at the heart of St Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland, with many churches holding special masses or prayers to commemorate the saint's work and teachings. Pilgrimages to significant sites such as Downpatrick, believed to be his burial place, are common. These spiritual elements of the day offer a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection to the roots of Christian tradition in Ireland, fostering unity across denominations and communities.

Alongside its religious significance, St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture and pride. In cities such as Belfast and Armagh, vibrant parades, concerts, and community festivals bring streets to life with music, dance, and traditional dress. The shamrock, which St Patrick is said to have used to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity, features prominently in decorations and attire. Families and friends gather to share in the festivities, enjoying local food, crafts, and performances that celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Northern Ireland.

As a bank holiday, St Patrick’s Day offers a welcome day off for many across the region, encouraging leisure, relaxation, and connection with local traditions. Schools and most businesses close, allowing people to take part in events, travel, or spend time with loved ones. For artisans and makers, it’s also a time to participate in themed markets or draw inspiration from Irish folklore and symbolism—whether through jewellery, textiles, ceramics, or visual art.

St Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland is both a sacred and celebratory occasion, uniting people in remembrance of their patron saint while embracing the spirit and creativity of Irish identity. Whether through quiet reflection, lively festivity, or cultural expression, the day serves as a lasting tribute to the enduring influence of St Patrick and the values of faith, resilience, and community that he continues to inspire.

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St George is the patron saint of England, and his feast day celebrates English heritage with parades, music and traditional crafts. Red roses and the flag of St George are iconic symbols of the day.

St George’s Day, is the national day of England and a time to reflect on themes of courage, chivalry, and national identity. St George is widely recognised as the patron saint of England, though his story and veneration span across many countries and centuries. The day is an opportunity for English communities to honour shared heritage, often marked with the flying of the red and white St George’s Cross flag, church services, parades, and local festivities that bring people together in a spirit of unity and pride.

The most enduring tale associated with St George is the legendary story of him slaying a dragon. According to medieval folklore, a fearsome dragon was terrorising a village, demanding livestock—and eventually human sacrifices. When the king’s daughter was chosen as the next offering, George arrived, clad in armour and mounted on a white horse. He faced the dragon in a dramatic battle, ultimately defeating the beast and saving the princess. The legend symbolises the triumph of good over evil, and over time it has come to embody values of bravery, honour, and selfless service.

Though the dragon-slaying tale is mythical, St George was a real historical figure—a Roman soldier and Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century. He is said to have been executed for refusing to renounce his faith under Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. His steadfastness and moral integrity made him a revered figure throughout Christendom. It was during the Crusades that English knights adopted him as a protector and spiritual guide, and he was officially declared England’s patron saint in the 14th century by King Edward III.

In earlier centuries, St George’s Day was a prominent holiday in England, observed with church feasts, pageantry, and even days off work. Over time, particularly after the union with Scotland and the rise of other civic holidays, its prominence waned. However, in recent years there has been renewed interest in celebrating the day, with a focus on English culture, folklore, and community identity. It serves as a moment for storytelling, arts, crafts, and expressions of English pride—whether through traditional dress, music, or food.

For creatives and artisans, St George’s Day can be a powerful wellspring of inspiration. From medieval motifs and heraldic symbols to modern reinterpretations of myth and bravery, the day lends itself to imaginative exploration. Whether crafting decorative flags, producing folklore-themed artwork, or participating in local fairs, many find in the story of St George a timeless narrative of resilience and righteousness. Celebrating St George’s Day is not only a tribute to England’s patron saint, but also a reflection of the values and stories that continue to shape its cultural landscape.

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Scotland marks St Andrew’s Day with ceilidhs, storytelling, and a celebration of Scottish culture and craftsmanship. From tartan weaving to traditional music, it’s a day rich in national pride.

St Andrew’s Day, celebrated annually on the 30th of November, is the official national day of Scotland and a time to honour its patron saint, St Andrew. Known for his role as one of Jesus’ apostles, St Andrew was chosen as Scotland’s spiritual guardian as early as the 10th century. According to legend, his relics were brought to what is now St Andrews in Fife, cementing his connection with the country. The date is marked not only with pride and remembrance, but as a celebration of Scottish culture, identity, and unity.

Across Scotland, St Andrew’s Day is observed with civic events, traditional music, storytelling, and cultural performances. The day showcases the best of Scottish traditions—from Highland dancing and ceilidhs to the sound of the bagpipes echoing through village halls and city streets. Flags bearing the white saltire cross of St Andrew fly high, and schools and communities take part in educational and celebratory activities that reflect Scotland’s rich history and folklore.

Though St Andrew’s Day is a relatively low-key public holiday compared to other national celebrations, it carries deep significance. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament designated it as an official bank holiday, offering an opportunity to recognise the nation’s heritage and contributions. While not all businesses close, many people use the day to connect with family, attend cultural events, or enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty. The day also acts as a lead-in to the festive season, serving as a moment to gather and give thanks before the busyness of December begins.

St Andrew’s Day has become a prominent occasion for promoting Scottish creativity and craftsmanship. Local markets, art fairs, and makers’ events often feature during the week, providing a platform for artisans to showcase their skills. From woollen weaves and handmade jewellery to ceramics and food, the emphasis on locally made goods reflects the enduring importance of tradition and self-sufficiency in Scottish life. For many creatives, the day inspires new projects rooted in cultural heritage and pride.

At its heart, St Andrew’s Day is a celebration of everything that makes Scotland unique—its landscape, its people, and its indomitable spirit. It serves as a reminder of the country’s values: hospitality, strength, resilience, and community. Whether celebrated with storytelling by the hearth, shared meals, or grand public festivals, St Andrew’s Day brings Scots together in a joyful and heartfelt expression of national identity and collective pride.

Discover the local Arts and Crafts of Scotland