Calendar

May
1
Mon
2023
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
5
Fri
2023
Europe Day (Council of Europe)
May 5 all-day

Europe Day is celebrated annually on 5 May and 9 May.

The Council of Europe designates 5 May, the anniversary of the Council’s founding.

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/5-may-europe-day

The European Union designates 9 May, the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration (1950).

https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/symbols/europe-day_en

Neither date is listed as a flag flying day by UK government guidance, although the UK remains a member of the Council of Europe.

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

Europe Day is listed on 9 May as a flag flying day by Scottish government guidance.

The European Flag is specified.

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

May
6
Sat
2023
UK: Coronation of HM The King
May 6 all-day

The Coronation Day of HM The King is listed as a flag flying day by UK government guidance.

The Union Flag is specified.

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

The Coronation Day of HM The King is also listed as a flag flying day by Scottish government guidance.

The Scottish Saltire is specified.

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

May
9
Tue
2023
Europe Day (European Union)
May 9 all-day

Europe Day is celebrated annually on 5 May and 9 May.

The European Union designates 9 May, the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration (1950).

https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/symbols/europe-day_en

The Council of Europe designates 5 May, the anniversary of the Council’s founding.

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/5-may-europe-day

Europe Day is listed on 9 May as a flag flying day by Scottish government guidance.

The European Flag is specified.

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

Neither date is listed as a flag flying day by UK government guidance, although the UK remains a member of the Council of Europe.

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

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.

Jersey: Liberation Day
May 9 all-day

Jersey celebrates Liberation Day (Jour d’la Libéthâtion in Jersey French) annually on 9 May.

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

May
10
Wed
2023
Sark: Liberation Day
May 10 all-day

Sark celebrates Liberation Day annually on 10 May.

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

May
11
Thu
2023
Somerset Day: King Alfred Gathers the People
May 11 all-day

Somerset Day was selected by public vote from a shortlist that includes: 19 May – Feast of St Dunstan; 6 July – Battle of Sedgemoor.

May
16
Tue
2023
Middlesex Day: Battle of Albuera, 1811
May 16 all-day

The battle of Albuera (1811) took place during the Peninsular War, when Anglo-Portuguese forces defeated the French.

The 57th (West Middlesex) Foot suffered very heavy casualties during the battle and later celebrated the anniversary as a regimental day.

May
17
Wed
2023
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
May 17 all-day

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 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/