New bank holiday announced to mark coronation of King Charles

The UK will be able to come together ‘in recognition of the historic occasion’ (Picture: Getty Images)

Drinks at the ready, a new bank holiday has been announced.

The Government has proclaimed an additional day off to mark next year’s coronation of the King.

Downing Street confirmed tonight that the UK-wide holiday will fall on Monday, May 8.

It will come two days after Charles’ coronation at Westminster Abbey on Saturday May 6.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that – as was the case for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 – the bank holiday will form a chance for families and communities to come together to celebrate.

The announcement follows calls from MPs for the Government to either move the early May bank holiday from May 1 to coincide with the coronation weekend or to declare an extra day off.

Mr Sunak said: ‘The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country.

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‘In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.

There could be street parties galore to mark the King’s coronation in May next year (Picture: PA)

The nation will enjoy a new bank holiday to mark the occasion, Rishi Sunak announced tonight (Picture: AP)

‘I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Charles III by taking part in local and national events across the country in his honour.’

The question ‘is there going to be a bank holiday?’ had been widely asked after May 6 was revealed as the date for the King’s coronation.

Charles will be officially crowned alongside his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, at Westminster Abbey.

May 6 also marks the birthday of Harry and Meghan’s son Archie – who will be turning four on the day.

It is not known whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will fly back from America for the occasion.

The coronation of Charles III will take place on May 6 (Picture: PA)

It is not confirmed if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend (Picture: Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, has said that next year’s bank holiday would allow families and communities to ‘come together’.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also commented on the announcement.

The SNP leader said: ‘The coronation will be an historic moment for Scotland, and the Scottish Government wants to give as many people as possible to join the celebrations.

‘Scotland will want to send its best wishes to His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort.’

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