Good Friday
Good Friday is a UK bank holiday observed across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, the date of which moves each year between late March and late April.
When is Good Friday?
| Year | Date | Day | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday 2026 |
| 2027 | 26 March 2027 | Friday | Good Friday 2027 |
| 2028 | 14 April 2028 | Friday | Good Friday 2028 |
History and significance
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. As a bank holiday, it predates the Bank Holidays Act 1871 — it was already a common-law day of rest across England and Wales when Sir John Lubbock’s act formalised the system. It has been a bank holiday continuously since.
The date is moveable because Easter is calculated as the first Sunday after the first ecclesiastical full moon on or after 21 March. Good Friday is always the Friday immediately before.
Traditions
Hot cross buns — sweet spiced buns marked with a pastry cross — are the most distinctive culinary tradition. Many Christian churches hold services of reflection and the Stations of the Cross. The Royal Maundy service, presented on Maundy Thursday (the day before), is a related royal tradition with medieval origins.
Observance
Banks and government offices close. Many businesses close or operate reduced hours. Premier League football is suspended on Good Friday itself (the Easter weekend fixtures fall on Saturday and Monday). The London Stock Exchange is closed.
Employers are not legally required to give Good Friday off, but it is one of the most commonly granted holidays — most contracts list it as one of the 8 bank holiday days.
Where it is observed
Good Friday is a bank holiday in England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland.