Britons book getaways on wrong dates because calendars are incorrect after government moved May bank holiday from Monday 4th to Friday 8th for 75th anniversary of VE Day
- The early May bank holiday will now be on Friday May 8 in 2020, instead of May 4
- It will mark day in 1945 that Nazi Germany surrendered in the Second World War
- Unknowing Britons have booked holidays for the now non-existent May 4 holiday
Britons have been booking getaways on the wrong dates after millions of calendars and diaries were printed with an incorrect early May Bank Holiday date.
The error arose after the government changed the holiday to a Friday next year to fall on the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
It will now be on Friday May 8 in 2020, the same day in 1945 that Nazi Germany surrendered in the Second World War.
The date, four days after the usual Bank Holiday Monday, will launch a three-day weekend to mark Victory in Europe Day.
The error arose after the government changed the holiday to a Friday next year to fall on the 75th anniversary of VE Day (stock image)
But those unaware of the change have been booking their holidays for the weekend of Monday, May 4.
Many families book their holidays while gathered for the Christmas break, and when sales are typically in full swing.
The demand for flights over the non-existent May 1-4 holiday weekend has seen prices rocket, travel experts told The Sun.
May 4 is now set to be an unofficial holiday day, as employees take annual leave instead of missing out on their getaway.
Flights from London to Tenerife, Canary Islands cost £152 during the May 1-4 holiday weekend for instance, a similar price to a break over May 5-8.
The same goes for Paris, which has flights at around £70 for the May 1-4 holiday weekend, a similar price to those for May 5-8.
Both prices are significantly higher than during other periods during the spring months.
Retailers including WHSmith, Clintons and Paperchase have admitted to having aisles full of incorrect calendars. The Government has said it will not provide compensation to companies who have reprinted calendars.
That is despite the change only being announced in June.
But bank holidays have been used to mark special occasions in the past.
The date, four days after the usual Bank Holiday Monday, will launch a three-day weekend to mark Victory in Europe Day (pictured: The Highland Infantrymen passing the Saluting base in the Mall, where the King took the salute, on VE Day)
Former prime minister David Cameron declared April 29, 2011, the wedding day of Prince William and Kate Middleton, a public holiday for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Other notable Bank Holidays include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which fell on June 5, 2012.
The VE Day Bank Holiday was moved once before in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of VE Day.
Announcing the news earlier this year, former Business Secretary Greg Clark, said: ‘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.’
He added: ‘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.
‘Honouring those who did their duty – whether on the battlefields of Europe or through their efforts and sacrifices here at home. This week saw the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings during which the brave efforts of Allied troops secured the first step on the road to defeating the Nazis.’