Chancellor considering whether to make Jubilee bank holiday permanent
The four-day bank holiday in June could become a staple in the calendar
Last updated 29th May 2022
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering proposals to make the upcoming Jubilee bank holiday a permanent fixture.
The government announced in 2020 that Britons would get to enjoy a four-day bank holiday in June 2022 in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Now there are calls for the long break around June 3rd to be made permanent, as proposals have been backed by the likes of the Confederation of British Industry and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The so-called "thank holiday" in honour of the Queen would recognise her "extraordinary service", as well as the hard work local communities have put in over the past two years whilst the pandemic hit.
Downing Street pour cold water on idea
But the Prime Minister’s official spokesman stressed this year’s extra bank holiday was to mark a “unique” event and added: “I’m not aware of any plans to make it permanent.”
While it would be kept under review, the spokesman said a new bank holiday was estimated to cost the economy £2 billion.
The spokesman said each bank holiday “presents a considerable and significant cost to our economy and therefore each proposal would have to be considered carefully on that basis”.
Consultations made into cost of a new bank holiday
The Telegraph newspaper suggested that Mr Sunak had contacted the Treasury for formal advice on the matter, while the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have also been consulted.
Speaking to the Telegraph, an unnamed sourced told the newspaper there could be the possibility of a new bank holiday.
"The Treasury is not saying no off the bat despite previously being institutionally allergic to the idea of a new bank holiday," they said.
"Rishi is supportive of the campaign and the thought behind it and has asked for all the projected costs."
As well as the host of organisations backing the move, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie have also shown support for the initiative.
It comes as other events are planned to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, including the relaxation of opening hours for pubs, which can now stay open until 1 a.m. instead of 11 p.m.
Here is what else is happening to celebrate the Queen's reign:
Thursday 2nd June: Trooping the Colour
To mark the Queen's official birthday, over 1400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians are coming together in what the official Royal Family website describes as "a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare". The event will consist of a musical parade where soldiers will salute the Queen. The traditional march then closes with a fly-past by the Royal Air Force, which the Royal Family typically watch from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Thursday 2nd June: Platinum Jubilee Beacons
At Buckingham Palace, the Principal Beacon (which traditionally has been lit to mark the Queen's jubilee), will be 'lit' on Thursday. This jubilee beacon however is set to be a little different to previous jubilee celebrations, as a large living tree sculpture by British designer Thomas Heatherwick is being used. The lighting installation within this structure will act as the lighting of the principal beacon to reflect the Royal Family's commitment to environmental causes. A Palace spokeswoman has said on the sculpture: "It's 21 metres high – that's the height of three giraffes." Throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, other beacons are being lit in celebration.
Friday 3rd June: Service of Thanksgiving
A Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen's reign will be held at St Paul's Cathedral. This is in keeping with tradition as ever since 1897, the cathedral has hosted Jubilee services. St Paul's are also hosting an exhibition exploring the history of Jubilee celebrations at the cathedral across three centuries. This has been open to the public since May 25th.
Saturday 4th June: Platinum Party at the Palace
On Saturday, big names Diana Ross and George Ezra are set to perform at a concert at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the most significant moments from the Queen's reign. Live coverage will be broadcast on BBC One and will be hosted by Kirsty Young and Roman Kemp and co-presented by Huw Edwards, Clare Balding, AJ Odudu and Anita Rani.
Sunday 5th June: Big Jubilee Lunch
Street parties are being planned across the UK and neighbours are expected to join together for food and fun to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. This will mark the end of the bank holiday. It is also the day that pubs stop opening until 1am, giving everyone a reason to relax and have an early night.
Sunday 5th June: Platinum Jubilee Pageant
Performers will come together in London to tell the story of the Queen's reign through a pageant. This will include a "River of Hope" section made up of 200 silk flags that will make its way through The Mall, appearing like a moving river. In 2012, there was a similar parade of 670 boats on the Tideway of the River Thames in London as part of the celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
July: The Royal Collection Trust
Three displays marking the Queen's accession to the throne, the Coronation and Jubilees will be put on at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
12th-15th May: Platinum Jubilee Celebration Performance
In celebration of the Queen's 70 years on the throne, more than 500 horses and 1,000 performers took part in a 90-minute show taking the Windsor Castle audience through history right from Elizabeth I to the present day.