Here's when 75th anniversary VE Day bank holiday falls, and the celebrations commemorating the end of WW2

Bank holidays are a time honoured tradition, a much looked forward to day off for many that Brits just wouldn't be without.

But in 2020, a change has been made to the delicate eco system of statutory time away from the office.

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The 75th anniversary celebrations of VE Day means one such bank holiday in May has been shifted, which could catch you off guard if you're not aware of the change.

Here's everything you need to know about it:

What is the change?

The early May bank holiday has been switched from its usual position to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Instead of taking place on 4 May, the early bank holiday will be on Friday 8 May – VE Day.

This means that the long weekend will coincide with the extended 75th anniversary celebrations of the surrender of Nazi Germany, which ended the Second World War in Europe.

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The change of date was announced in June, which resulted in as many as 30 million diaries and calendars being incorrectly printed, according to a report in The Sun.

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

However, the later Spring bank holiday will be held in its usual spot, falling on Monday 25 May.

When the decision was announced, Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said it was a "fitting" idea.

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He said: "It is our duty to keep the events of the past alive in collective memory, including future generations - this is how we ensure that such a conflict never happens again."

The bank holiday will move in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What is VE Day?

Victory in Europe Day marks the anniversary of the Allies' acceptance of Nazi Germany's surrender of its armed forces on 8 May 1945, which heralded the end of World War II.

Hitler had committed suicide on 30 April during the Battle of Berlin and Germany's surrender was authorised by his successor, Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz.

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The act of military surrender was first signed at 02:41 on 7 May in Reims, and a slightly modified document was signed on 8 May in Berlin.

Most European countries celebrate the end of World War II on 8 May.

How is VE Day being commemorated?

As part of the VE Day commemorations, more than 20,000 pubs will encourage drinkers to toast the heroes of the war while churches will take part in a Ringing Out For Peace.

Full list of remaining 2020 bank holidays in the UK

St Patrick’s Day: Tuesday 17 March (Northern Ireland only)Good Friday: Friday 10 AprilEaster Monday: Monday 13 April (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)Early May bank holiday: Friday 8 MaySpring bank holiday: Monday 25 MayBattle of the Boyne (substitute day): Monday 13 July (Northern Ireland only)Summer bank holiday: Monday 3 August (Scotland only)Summer bank holiday: Monday 31 August (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30 November (Scotland only)Christmas Day: Friday 25 DecemberBoxing Day (substitute day): Monday 28 December

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