Don't forget the early May Bank Holiday is NOT on Monday this year
This is only the second time May Day has moved
Last updated 1st May 2020
We all look forward to the early May Bank Holiday, but things a slightly different this year! The first Bank Holiday in May (which would usually be on Monday) will be moved to Friday, this is to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, also known as VE Day.
The news was first announced back in 2019 by Business Secretary Greg Clark, who revealed the Bank Holiday will move from Monday 4th May to Friday 8th May, in order to allow people to pay tribute to the heroes of the Second World War.
Greg Clark said, "VE Day marked an historic moment in not only our nation's, but the world's history and it is important that we commemorate this great occasion on its 75th anniversary.
"Moving next year's early May bank holiday to VE Day itself is a right and fitting tribute.
"It will ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation."
This is the second time May Day has moved, the first time was 25 years ago in 1995 to mark VE Day's 50th anniversary.
Now check out how to have a fun self-isolation bank holiday:
Gig cancelled? Watch a replay on TV
Were you planning on going to a gig, but it's been cancelled or postponed?
There are plenty of gigs available to watch online and some artists such as Coldplay's Chris Martin and John Legend have been treating fans to a free gig straight from their home.
Stream a gig to your TV and imagine you're right in the middle of the action.🙌
Turn on Hits Radio to have a party
A nightclub might be out of the question now, but why not turn on Hits Radio on Saturday night and get your party shoes on. We'll be playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks in the mix.
Catch up with your friends
Of course the weekend is when most people see their friends, but with the advice being that we shouldn't leave our house, why not catch up with them virtually.
There are plenty of apps you can use to video call your friends, try Zoom, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime if you're on an Apple device.
Swap the cinema for a home cinema
While the cinemas are closed this is when your TV will come into its own. 'Sit down' with your mates and watch a film together. There are plenty of websites you can use to watch the same programme or film with your friends. Services with Netflix Party and Kast will enable you to chat to your friends while you're watching something.
Play board games virtually
Admittedly, it's not quite the same, but you can still play board games with friends, albeit remotely. There are plenty of apps that will allow you to join up with your mates and play the same game together in real time.
Karaoke 'with' mates
Most people love a sing-song, so why should being apart stop you. There are plenty of Karaoke computer games, CDs and even YouTube has some backing tracks for you sing along to.
Karaoke is no fun without your mates of course, so hook up with them online and share the fun you'd normally have with them.
Enjoy a meal in
This weekend treat someone you live with to a meal. Make the meal a bit different to what you might normally cook, whether it's tapas, making your own pizzas or a homemade shepherd's pie. For some great ideas take a look at our store cupboard recipes.
Play computer games online
There are so many computer games out there you'll be spoilt for choice, however there are also several that are perfect for playing online with mates.
Whether you have housemates to self-isolate with, or you're by yourself, it's time to get your game on!
Swap ten-pin bowling for skittles
Planned to go ten-pin bowling with mates? Switch things up a bit and grab a set of kids' skittles! You can still do this with your house mates or if a few of you have your own sets then why not link up online so you can compare scores?