The spring bank holiday started as the Monday known as Whit Monday. The banking and dealings act of 1971 moved this bank holiday to the last Monday in May. This year it falls on the 30th May.
It’s a time for people in the United Kingdom to have a day off work or school to enjoy time to catch up with family or friends, or just enjoy the free time.
However, in certain parts of the United Kingdom there are customs associated with this day.
On Cooper Hill, Brockworth people raced down a steep hill following a large round cheese. The hill is concave and has a 1:1 incline in some places. The winner receives a prize of a double Gloucester cheese weighing around 8 lbs (3.5 kg).
The Romans or ancient Britons could have been the first to have started this custom as an ancient fertility rite or a way for the villagers to get the right to graze their live stock on the surrounding land.
In the past many injuries were sustained and so now it’s only the cheese that is rolled down the hill.
In Endon, Staffordshire the villagers dress their well and hold a fayre. A girl is crowned the ‘well dressing queen’ while a competition called ‘tossing the sheaf’ is run to see who can toss a bale of straw the highest.
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In other places Morris dancers put on a display, boats are blessed and local festivals are held. Festivals that include some of the best in British food, crafts and music.
Whatever you do enjoy the bank holiday, and if your area has a special bank holiday tradition let us know.
