Calendar

Mar
8
Mon
2021
UK: Commonwealth Day
Mar 8 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
17
Wed
2021
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
Sat
2021
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
Mon
2021
West Riding Day: Anniversary of Battle of Towton, 1461
Mar 29 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
Fri
2021
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
Fri
2021
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
Sun
2021
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
Sat
2021
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
11
Tue
2021
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
Sun
2021
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.