Hundreds of revelers across the UK celebrated the long weekend on Sunday, taking to city centres in elaborate costumes, vibrant outfits, and a spirited atmosphere to mark the early May bank holiday. Participants showcased their creativity, sporting a range of attire including pink cowboy hats, Elvis Presley costumes, and colourful wigs. Many of the female attendees were seen in stylish dresses and high heels, while the male partygoers opted for casual football shirts and playful fancy dress options.
The celebrations coincided with the recent warm weather trend, as the UK experienced its hottest May Day on Thursday, when temperatures soared to 28.0°C (82.4°F) at Kew Gardens, making it the warmest day recorded in 2025 to date. Despite a slight drop in temperatures over the holiday weekend, which the Met Office described as "fairly chilly," many participants expressed no concern about returning to work with a hangover the following day. The outdoor pub crawls remained popular, demonstrating the enduring festive spirit among friends enjoying their time together.
In Newcastle, groups of women donned chic outfits while some opted for more casual attire, with floral crowns and laid-back accessories prominently featured. A few partygoers demonstrated foresight by packing flip-flops for comfort as the night progressed. Piggyback rides were also spotted amongst friends, highlighting the jovial atmosphere.
Traffic congestion surged ahead of the bank holiday weekend, with data from TomTom indicating a 40% increase by 7am on Friday compared to normal levels. Approximately 17 million motorists were expected to hit the roads, while rail passengers were advised to prepare for delays and disruptions. A study by Virgin Media O2 suggested that around 22 million people were expected to take annual leave during this period.
As the weekend festivities continued, anticipation was building for the VE Day commemorative events scheduled for Monday, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The celebration will include a military procession featuring 1,300 armed forces members, as well as a flypast by the Red Arrows. Key figures including the King, the Queen, the Prime Minister, and Second World War veterans are expected to be in attendance at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. Community celebrations such as street parties and picnics are also planned across the UK.
To accommodate these festive events, Sir Keir Starmer announced that pubs and bars would be allowed to extend their operating hours until 1am on Monday in celebration of VE Day. However, consumers were advised to check supermarket opening hours as many retailers adjusted their schedules in observance of the bank holiday.
In regard to weather forecasts, Simon Partridge, a meteorologist with the Met Office, indicated that while the beginning of the week would be chilly, it would remain mostly dry with light winds. He noted the possibility of some showers in the southeast, although much of the country could expect bright, sunny spells. Although temperatures may dip slightly below seasonal averages, Partridge projected gradual warming as the week progressed, potentially reaching low 20s by next weekend.
Overall, the combination of festivities, warm-weather celebrations, and historical commemorations painted a lively picture for communities throughout the UK during this early May bank holiday.
Source: Noah Wire Services