UK awareness days and key dates

Awareness days, weeks and months, with bank holidays and the big commercial dates. Pick a country and the types you need, then subscribe in your own calendar.

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May 2048

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Running all month

National Pet Month 1 April to 5 May 2048
Coeliac Awareness Month 1 to 31 May 2048
Mild May 1 to 31 May 2048
National Walking Month 1 to 31 May 2048
No Mow May 1 to 31 May 2048
Stroke Awareness Month (Make May Purple) 1 to 31 May 2048
Whisky Month 1 to 31 May 2048
National Smile Month 11 May to 11 June 2048

1Fri
Friday 1 May 2048
- National Gardening Week
  Awareness27 April to 3 May 2048
  
  The RHS week celebrating gardening and its benefits, held 27 April to 3 May in 2026.
- Coeliac Awareness Month
  Awareness1 to 31 May 2048
  
  A UK campaign in May run by Coeliac UK to help people spot the symptoms of coeliac disease and get diagnosed.
- Mild May
  Fun and quirky1 to 31 May 2048
  
  CAMRA's month-long promotion of mild ale every May, encouraging drinkers to try the traditional beer style in pubs.
- National Walking Month
  Awareness1 to 31 May 2048
  
  A UK campaign from Living Streets each May encouraging people to walk or wheel more.
- No Mow May
  Awareness1 to 31 May 2048
  
  Plantlife's campaign asking people to leave their lawnmowers in the shed through May so wildflowers can bloom for pollinators.
- Stroke Awareness Month (Make May Purple)
  Awareness1 to 31 May 2048
  
  A UK campaign through May, run by the Stroke Association, asking people to go purple and fundraise for stroke research and support.
- Whisky Month
  Awareness1 to 31 May 2048
  
  VisitScotland promotes May as Whisky Month, celebrating Scotch whisky, distilleries and whisky festivals across Scotland.
2Sat
Saturday 2 May 2048
- Free Comic Book Day
  Fun and quirkyInternational
  
  Free Comic Book Day is held on the first Saturday in May, when taking part comic shops give away specially printed comics to visitors.
- World Tuna Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World Tuna Day on 2 May highlights the importance of sustainable tuna fishing for food security and the economy.
3Sun
Sunday 3 May 2048
- Hedgehog Awareness Week
  Awareness3 to 9 May 2048
  
  An annual week in early May raising awareness of the problems hedgehogs face and how people can help, held 3 to 9 May in 2026.
- International Dawn Chorus Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A celebration of birdsong held on the first Sunday in May, when people get up early to listen to the dawn chorus.
- World Laughter Day
  Fun and quirkyInternational
  
  A day promoting laughter for health and friendship, held on the first Sunday of May.
- World Press Freedom Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World Press Freedom Day on 3 May defends media independence and honours journalists who have lost their lives doing their job.
4Mon
Monday 4 May 2048
- Deaf Awareness Week
  Awareness4 to 10 May 2048
  
  A UK week in early May promoting the inclusion of deaf people and awareness of hearing loss, held 4 to 10 May in 2026.
- Dying Matters Awareness Week
  Awareness4 to 10 May 2048
  
  A UK week in early May that encourages people to talk openly about death, dying and grief, and to plan ahead.
- Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
  Awareness4 to 10 May 2048
  
  A UK week in early May that raises awareness of mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth, and the support available.
- National Hedgerow Week
  Awareness4 to 10 May 2048
  
  A week celebrating hedgerows and the wildlife they support, held in early May in 2026.
- Star Wars Day
  Fun and quirkyInternational
  
  Star Wars fans' annual celebration on 4 May, based on the pun 'May the Fourth be with you'.
- Water Saving Week
  Awareness4 to 8 May 2048
  
  A week of tips and campaigns to help people use less water at home, held 4 to 8 May in 2026.
5Tue
Tuesday 5 May 2048
- African World Heritage Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A UNESCO day on 5 May that celebrates Africa's natural and cultural heritage and supports its protection.
- International Day of the Midwife
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on 5 May celebrating midwives and calling for more investment in midwifery.
- World Asthma Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on the first Tuesday of May that raises awareness of asthma and better care for people living with it.
- World Hand Hygiene Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  Held on 5 May each year, WHO's day for promoting clean hands in health care to prevent infections picked up during treatment.
- World Portuguese Language Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World Portuguese Language Day on 5 May celebrates the Portuguese language and the cultures of Portuguese-speaking countries.
6Wed
Wednesday 6 May 2048
- World Maternal Mental Health Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on the first Wednesday of May that raises awareness of mental health during pregnancy and the first year after birth.
8Fri
Friday 8 May 2048
- International Thalassaemia Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  Marked on 8 May, this day raises awareness of thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder, and supports patients and better access to care.
- Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War
  AwarenessInternational8 to 9 May 2048
  
  On 8 and 9 May the UN remembers all victims of the Second World War, alongside national victory and liberation days.
- VE Day
  Religious and cultural
  
  Victory in Europe Day on 8 May marks the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945.
- World Ovarian Cancer Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on 8 May that unites patient groups to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and push for earlier diagnosis.
9Sat
Saturday 9 May 2048
- World Fair Trade Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  Held on the second Saturday of May to celebrate fair trade and the producers, makers and businesses that work to its principles.
- World Migratory Bird Day (May)
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World Migratory Bird Day is held twice a year, on the second Saturday of May and October, to raise awareness of migratory birds and their protection.
10Sun
Sunday 10 May 2048
- International Day of Argania
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day of Argania on 10 May recognises the argan tree and its value for biodiversity and for rural women in Morocco.
- World Lupus Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on 10 May that raises awareness of lupus and calls for earlier diagnosis, better care and more research.
11Mon
Monday 11 May 2048
- Foster Care Fortnight
  Awareness11 to 24 May 2048
  
  A UK fortnight in May that highlights fostering and the need for more foster carers.
- National Smile Month
  Awareness11 May to 11 June 2048
  
  A month-long UK oral health campaign from the Oral Health Foundation, running from mid May to mid June.
- Salt Awareness Week
  Awareness11 to 17 May 2048
  
  A UK week in May from Action on Salt about the health effects of eating too much salt.
- Stop Loan Sharks Week
  Awareness11 to 17 May 2048
  
  A week in May that warns people about illegal money lenders and tells them where to get confidential help.
- Sun Awareness Week
  Awareness11 to 17 May 2048
  
  A May week from the British Association of Dermatologists on sun protection and the early detection of skin cancer.
12Tue
Tuesday 12 May 2048
- International Day of Plant Health
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day of Plant Health on 12 May shows how protecting plants from pests and disease helps end hunger and protect nature.
- International Nurses Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on 12 May, Florence Nightingale's birthday, recognising the work of nurses.
- ME Awareness Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A day on 12 May that raises awareness of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), also marked worldwide as World ME Day.
14Thu
Thursday 14 May 2048
- Ascension Day
  Religious and culturalInternational
  
  Ascension Day falls on a Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday and marks Jesus ascending into heaven.
- Thy Kingdom Come
  Religious and culturalInternational14 to 24 May 2048
  
  A global Christian prayer movement held over the eleven days from Ascension Day to Pentecost each year.
15Fri
Friday 15 May 2048
- International Day of Families
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day of Families on 15 May raises awareness of the social, economic and demographic issues that affect families.
16Sat
Saturday 16 May 2048
- International Day of Light
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day of Light on 16 May celebrates the role of light in science, culture, education and sustainable development.
- International Day of Living Together in Peace
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day of Living Together in Peace on 16 May encourages people to accept differences and live together in unity and harmony.
- National Doughnut Week
  Awareness16 to 24 May 2048
  
  A May fundraising week in which bakeries, cafes and offices sell doughnuts to raise money for The Children's Trust. In 2026 it ran 16 to 24 May.
17Sun
Sunday 17 May 2048
- International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on 17 May standing in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ people and opposing discrimination.
- World Hypertension Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on 17 May that encourages people to check their blood pressure and to prevent and control high blood pressure.
- World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17 May explores how the internet and digital technology can benefit society and close the digital divide.
18Mon
Monday 18 May 2048
- Action for Brain Injury Week
  Awareness18 to 24 May 2048
  
  A UK week in May run by Headway to raise awareness of acquired brain injury, held 18 to 24 May in 2026.
- British Sandwich Week
  Commercial and retail18 to 24 May 2048
  
  A May week celebrating the sandwich and the food to go trade, run by the British Sandwich and Food to Go Association, held 18 to 24 May in 2026.
- Dementia Action Week
  Awareness18 to 24 May 2048
  
  A UK week in May led by Alzheimer's Society that encourages people to act on dementia, held 18 to 24 May in 2026.
- International Museum Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  International Museum Day on 18 May highlights the role of museums in society, with museums worldwide running events around a yearly theme.
- Knife Crime Awareness Week
  Awareness18 to 24 May 2048
  
  A UK week in May that aims to show knife crime is preventable, with training, events and support for young people.
- Learning at Work Week
  Awareness18 to 24 May 2048
  
  A UK week in May when employers run activities that help staff keep learning, held from 18 to 24 May in 2026.
- National Epilepsy Week
  Awareness18 to 24 May 2048
  
  A UK awareness week in May run by Epilepsy Action, held 18 to 24 May in 2026.
- Walk to School Week
  Awareness18 to 22 May 2048
  
  A UK school week in May that encourages pupils to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school, held from 18 to 22 May in 2026.
19Tue
Tuesday 19 May 2048
- World Fair Play Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World Fair Play Day on 19 May promotes respect, inclusion and fairness in sport, and opposes violence and doping.
20Wed
Wednesday 20 May 2048
- International Clinical Trials Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A day on 20 May recognising clinical research and the people who take part in trials.
- National Numeracy Day
  Awareness
  
  A UK day in May that encourages people to feel more confident with numbers, held on Wednesday 20 May in 2026.
- World Bee Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World Bee Day on 20 May raises awareness of bees and other pollinators and the need to protect them and their habitats.
- World Metrology Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  Marked on 20 May each year to highlight the science of measurement and the anniversary of the Metre Convention of 1875.
21Thu
Thursday 21 May 2048
- Global Accessibility Awareness Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global day on the third Thursday of May encouraging everyone to think and learn about digital access and inclusion.
- International Tea Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  International Tea Day on 21 May celebrates tea's cultural heritage and promotes sustainable production and fair trade from field to cup.
- World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
  AwarenessInternational
  
  On 21 May the UN celebrates the world's many cultures and the role of cultural dialogue in peace and development.
22Fri
Friday 22 May 2048
- International Day for Biological Diversity
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May raises awareness of the loss of nature and the action needed to protect it.
23Sat
Saturday 23 May 2048
- International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on 23 May calls for action on a preventable childbirth injury that leaves many women injured and isolated.
- World Turtle Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  Held on 23 May, World Turtle Day raises awareness of turtles and tortoises and the threats to their survival and habitats.
24Sun
Sunday 24 May 2048
- International Day of the Markhor
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day of the Markhor on 24 May raises awareness of a threatened wild mountain goat of Central and South Asia.
- Pentecost (Whit Sunday)
  Religious and culturalInternational
  
  Pentecost, also called Whit Sunday, falls seven weeks after Easter Sunday and celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit.
25Mon
Monday 25 May 2048
- Towel Day
  Fun and quirkyInternational
  
  A fan tribute to author Douglas Adams, held on 25 May, when fans carry a towel in honour of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
- Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories
  AwarenessInternational25 to 31 May 2048
  
  From 25 to 31 May the UN marks a week of solidarity with the peoples of the territories that are not yet self-governing.
- World Football Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World Football Day on 25 May celebrates football as a tool for peace, inclusion and the empowerment of women and girls.
29Fri
Friday 29 May 2048
- International Day of UN Peacekeepers
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May honours peacekeepers and remembers those who have died serving under the UN flag.
30Sat
Saturday 30 May 2048
- International Day of Potato
  AwarenessInternational
  
  The International Day of Potato on 30 May celebrates one of the world's most important food crops and the farmers who grow it.
- World MS Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  A global awareness day for multiple sclerosis held on 30 May each year.
31Sun
Sunday 31 May 2048
- Trinity Sunday
  Religious and culturalInternational
  
  Trinity Sunday is the Christian festival of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, held on the Sunday after Pentecost, 56 days after Easter.
- World No Tobacco Day
  AwarenessInternational
  
  World No Tobacco Day on 31 May raises awareness of the harm caused by tobacco and the tactics of the tobacco industry.

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May at a glance

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80 dates this month in the UK calendar.

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