Calendar

Mar
9
Mon
2020
UK: Commonwealth Day
Mar 9 all-day

Commonwealth Day is the second Monday in March.

The UK government states that the Union Flag should be flown.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/designated-days-for-union-flag-flying

The Scottish government states that the Commonwealth flag should be flown.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/flag-flying-on-government-buildings/

The Senedd Cymru states that the Commonwealth flag should be flown.

https://senedd.wales/media/hl5dtuct/foi-574-final-redacted-response-saes.pdf

Mar
10
Tue
2020
Scotland: Birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh
Mar 10 all-day

The birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh (and Earl of Forfar) is an official flag flying day only in Scotland, not in the rest of the UK.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/flag-flying-on-government-buildings/

Mar
17
Tue
2020
Northern Ireland: St Patrick’s Day
Mar 17 all-day

St Patrick’s Day is listed as a flag flying day (for Northern Ireland only) by UK government guidance.

The Union Flag is specified.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/designated-days-for-union-flag-flying

There is no official, current pan-Ireland or Northern Ireland flag that may be used to mark St Patrick’s Day.

St Patrick’s Saltire is one of several possible alternatives.

Mar
20
Fri
2020
County Durham Day: Feast of St Cuthbert
Mar 20 all-day

St Cuthbert (c.634–87), prior of Lindisfarne, is buried in Durham Cathedral.

Mar
29
Sun
2020
West Riding Day: Anniversary of Battle of Towton, 1461
Mar 29 – Mar 30 all-day

West Riding Day marks the anniversary of the battle of Towton (1461), reputedly the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil.

The Yorkist forces defeated the Lancastians, leading to a change of royal dynasty.

Edward Duke of York deposed King Henry VI (ruled 1422–61, 1470–1) and took the crown as King Edward IV (ruled 1461–1470, 1471–83).

Apr
16
Thu
2020
Orkney Day: Feast of St Magnus
Apr 16 all-day

St Magnus, then Magnus Erlendsson, was Earl of Orkney (1106–c.1117).

He was sanctified in 1136.

Apr
23
Thu
2020
England: St George’s Day
Apr 23 all-day

 

St George’s Day is England’s national day –  St George was named as England’s principal patron saint in 1416.

St George’s Day is listed as a flag flying day (for England only) by UK government guidance.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/designated-days-for-union-flag-flying

The Union Flag is specified.

Apr
25
Sat
2020
Huntingdonshire Day: Birthday of Oliver Cromwell
Apr 25 all-day

Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658) was an English statesman, politician and soldier.

He was MP for his native Huntingdon (1628-9).

May
1
Fri
2020
Staffordshire Day: Anniversary of Wedgwood Pottery
May 1 all-day

Staffordshire Day commemorates the foundation date of Josiah Wedgwood and Sons (1759).

The date was selected by public vote from a list that includes: 5 July – discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard (2009); 6 September – the future King Charles II hid in an oak tree in South Staffordshire (1651); 18 September – Doctor Samuel Johnson born in Lichfield (1709); 27 September – James Brindley, renowned engineer and resident of Leek, died (1772)

May
9
Sat
2020
Guernsey: Liberation Day
May 9 all-day

Guernsey celebrates Liberation Day (Lé Jour dé la Libératiaon in Guernsey French) annually on 9 May.

The date commemorates the island’s liberation in 1945 from German occupation during the Second World War.