Bank holidays are public holidays in the United Kingdom and Ireland, when banks and many businesses close. They create long weekends throughout the year, from Easter Monday to the spring and summer bank holidays. This A4 sign announces a bank holiday closure in a cheerful British style. Two rows of red, white and navy bunting hang across the top of a cream page. Closed for the appears in red brush script above BANK HOLIDAY in bold navy capitals. A navy card holds the date MONDAY 31 MAY with Spring Bank Holiday below. A paragraph gives the Saturday hours and the return to normal opening. Enjoy the long weekend! appears in red script, and red, white and navy stripes finish the page.
UK Bank Holidays in 2027
In England and Wales, the 2027 bank holidays are New Year’s Day (Friday 1 January), Good Friday (26 March), Easter Monday (29 March), the early May bank holiday (Monday 3 May), the spring bank holiday (Monday 31 May), the summer bank holiday (Monday 30 August), Christmas Day (Saturday 25 December, with a substitute on Monday 27 December) and Boxing Day (Sunday 26 December, with a substitute on Tuesday 28 December). Scotland and Northern Ireland have some different dates. The sample sign uses the spring bank holiday.
Bank Holiday Bunting Design
Bunting is a much loved part of British celebrations, from village fetes to street parties. Two rows of triangular flags in red, white and navy hang across the top of the sign, and matching stripes run along the bottom. The design feels festive without being tied to one particular holiday, so you can reuse it for every bank holiday of the year.
Editing the Bank Holiday Date
Click the date in the navy card to change it, and edit the line beneath to name the holiday, such as Early May bank holiday or Summer bank holiday. Update the paragraph with your Saturday hours and the date normal hours return.
Bank Holidays in Ireland
Ireland has its own public holidays, including St Patrick’s Day, St Brigid’s Day in February, the June and August bank holidays and the October bank holiday. Irish businesses can update the date and holiday name to match the Irish calendar.
Bank Holiday Closures for Shops
Many independent shops close on bank holiday Mondays to give staff a long weekend, while larger retailers often open with reduced hours. The sample sign belongs to a bookshop that opens on Saturday and closes on Monday. Choose the message that suits your business.
Bank Holiday Closures for Offices
Offices, solicitors, accountants and estate agents usually close on bank holidays. Add a line about emergency contacts or online services, and mention the closure in client emails the week before.
Where to Display the Bank Holiday Sign
Post the sign on your door and window a few days before the bank holiday weekend. Update your website, Google Business Profile, and phone greeting. Customers often check online for bank holiday opening times.
Printing the Bank Holiday Sign on A4
The template is set to A4, 210 x 297 mm, the standard paper size in the UK and Ireland. Export a PDF and keep the print scale at 100 percent. The cream background prints well on any office printer.
Sharing Bank Holiday Hours Online
Share the sign on social media a few days before the long weekend with a friendly message. Many local businesses post bank holiday hours on community Facebook groups, which reach a wide local audience.
Bank Holiday Weekends and Tourism
Businesses in seaside towns, national parks and tourist areas are often busiest on bank holiday weekends. If you open longer, adapt the sign to show extended hours instead of a closure, and mention any special events.
Red, White and Navy Colour Options
The red, white and navy palette echoes the Union flag without reproducing it. You can change the bunting colours to pastels for a spring feel or to your brand colours. Keep the BANK HOLIDAY title dark for contrast.
Bank Holidays for Banks and Building Societies
Banks and building societies close on bank holidays, and payments made on these days are processed on the next working day. Mention online banking availability and payment timings if your business handles customer payments.
Street Parties and Community Events
Special bank holidays, such as royal celebrations, often bring street parties and community events. The bunting design is perfect for promoting a street party or a community fun day as well as announcing a closure.
Bank Holiday Staffing for Pubs and Cafes
Pubs, cafes and restaurants are often busy over bank holiday weekends, especially when the weather is good. If you open, adapt the sign to show bank holiday food service times and mention beer garden or outdoor seating.
Bank Holiday Signs for Schools and Nurseries
Schools are usually closed on bank holidays, and nurseries often follow the same pattern. Nurseries can adapt the sign to remind parents of the closure and mention any changes to session fees or funded hours for the week.
Bank Holiday Sign Questions
Can I change the holiday name?
Yes. Edit the line in the navy card.
Can I use it for Easter Monday?
Yes. Change the date and holiday name.
Will it print on US Letter?
Yes, with fit to page.
Bank Holiday Deliveries and Post
Royal Mail does not usually deliver letters on bank holidays, and many couriers pause collections. Online shops can add a line to their sign and website saying that orders placed over the weekend will be dispatched on Tuesday, so customers know when to expect parcels.
Bank Holiday Signs for Garden Centres
Garden centres and DIY stores often have their busiest days over bank holiday weekends, especially in spring. If you open, use the navy card for special hours and the paragraph for weekend offers on plants and compost.
Enjoy the Long Weekend
Update the date and your business details, then print the sign. A cheerful bank holiday notice tells customers when you are closed and wishes them a lovely long weekend.
