UK awareness days and key dates

Saturday 1 May 2049

• National Gardening Week

  Awareness26 April to 2 May 2049

  The RHS week celebrating gardening and its benefits, held 27 April to 3 May in 2026.

• Coeliac Awareness Month

  Awareness1 to 31 May 2049

  A UK campaign in May run by Coeliac UK to help people spot the symptoms of coeliac disease and get diagnosed.

• 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.

• Local and Community History Month

  Awareness1 to 31 May 2049

  Local and Community History Month runs every May, promoted by the Historical Association to raise awareness of local history across the UK.

• Mild May

  Fun and quirky1 to 31 May 2049

  CAMRA's month-long promotion of mild ale every May, encouraging drinkers to try the traditional beer style in pubs.

• National Share-a-Story Month

  Awareness1 to 31 May 2049

  National Share-a-Story Month is a celebration of storytelling and story sharing for children, run every May by the Federation of Children's Book Groups.

• National Walking Month

  Awareness1 to 31 May 2049

  A UK campaign from Living Streets each May encouraging people to walk or wheel more.

• No Mow May

  Awareness1 to 31 May 2049

  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 2049

  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 2049

  VisitScotland promotes May as Whisky Month, celebrating Scotch whisky, distilleries and whisky festivals across Scotland.

Sunday 2 May 2049

• Hedgehog Awareness Week

  Awareness2 to 8 May 2049

  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 Tuna Day

  AwarenessInternational

  World Tuna Day on 2 May highlights the importance of sustainable tuna fishing for food security and the economy.

Monday 3 May 2049

• Deaf Awareness Week

  Awareness3 to 9 May 2049

  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

  Awareness3 to 9 May 2049

  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

  Awareness3 to 9 May 2049

  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

  Awareness3 to 9 May 2049

  A week celebrating hedgerows and the wildlife they support, held in early May in 2026.

• Water Saving Week

  Awareness3 to 7 May 2049

  A week of tips and campaigns to help people use less water at home, held 4 to 8 May in 2026.

• 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.

Tuesday 4 May 2049

• Firefighters' Memorial Day

  Awareness

  Firefighters' Memorial Day on 4 May remembers UK firefighters who died in the line of duty, with a minute's silence at midday.

• Star Wars Day

  Fun and quirkyInternational

  Star Wars fans' annual celebration on 4 May, based on the pun 'May the Fourth be with you'.

• 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.

Wednesday 5 May 2049

• 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 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 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.

• World Portuguese Language Day

  AwarenessInternational

  World Portuguese Language Day on 5 May celebrates the Portuguese language and the cultures of Portuguese-speaking countries.

Thursday 6 May 2049

• International No Diet Day

  AwarenessInternational

  International No Diet Day on 6 May promotes acceptance of all body sizes and questions the promises of the diet industry.

• World Kids Colouring Day

  Fun and quirkyInternational

  World Kids Colouring Day on 6 May is a STAEDTLER campaign that invites children to draw and colour, with donations to a children's charity project.

Saturday 8 May 2049

• 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 2049

  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 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.

• 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.

• World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

  AwarenessInternational

  World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8 May recognises the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the people who make a difference through it.

Monday 10 May 2049

• Foster Care Fortnight

  Awareness10 to 23 May 2049

  A UK fortnight in May that highlights fostering and the need for more foster carers.

• 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.

• National Smile Month

  Awareness10 May to 10 June 2049

  A month-long UK oral health campaign from the Oral Health Foundation, running from mid May to mid June.

• Salt Awareness Week

  Awareness10 to 16 May 2049

  A UK week in May from Action on Salt about the health effects of eating too much salt.

• Stop Loan Sharks Week

  Awareness10 to 16 May 2049

  A week in May that warns people about illegal money lenders and tells them where to get confidential help.

• Sun Awareness Week

  Awareness10 to 16 May 2049

  A May week from the British Association of Dermatologists on sun protection and the early detection of skin cancer.

• 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.

Wednesday 12 May 2049

• 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.

Thursday 13 May 2049

• World Cocktail Day

  Fun and quirkyInternational

  World Cocktail Day on 13 May marks the date in 1806 when a New York newspaper printed what is widely seen as the first definition of a cocktail.

Saturday 15 May 2049

• 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.

• National Doughnut Week

  Awareness15 to 23 May 2049

  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.

Sunday 16 May 2049

• 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.

Monday 17 May 2049

• Action for Brain Injury Week

  Awareness17 to 23 May 2049

  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 retail17 to 23 May 2049

  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

  Awareness17 to 23 May 2049

  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 Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

  AwarenessInternational

  A global day on 17 May standing in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ people and opposing discrimination.

• Knife Crime Awareness Week

  Awareness17 to 23 May 2049

  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

  Awareness17 to 23 May 2049

  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

  Awareness17 to 23 May 2049

  A UK awareness week in May run by Epilepsy Action, held 18 to 24 May in 2026.

• Walk to School Week

  Awareness17 to 21 May 2049

  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.

• 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.

Tuesday 18 May 2049

• 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.

Wednesday 19 May 2049

• 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 Fair Play Day

  AwarenessInternational

  World Fair Play Day on 19 May promotes respect, inclusion and fairness in sport, and opposes violence and doping.

• World IBD Day

  AwarenessInternational

  World IBD Day on 19 May unites people worldwide in the fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Thursday 20 May 2049

• 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 Clinical Trials Day

  AwarenessInternational

  A day on 20 May recognising clinical research and the people who take part in trials.

• 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.

Friday 21 May 2049

• 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.

Saturday 22 May 2049

• 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.

Sunday 23 May 2049

• 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.

Monday 24 May 2049

• 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.

Tuesday 25 May 2049

• 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 2049

  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.

Thursday 27 May 2049

• 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 culturalInternational27 May to 6 June 2049

  A global Christian prayer movement held over the eleven days from Ascension Day to Pentecost each year.

Friday 28 May 2049

• Menstrual Hygiene Day

  AwarenessInternational

  Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28 May is a global day on menstrual health and hygiene, initiated and coordinated by WASH United since 2014.

• World Hunger Day

  AwarenessInternational

  World Hunger Day on 28 May, run by The Hunger Project, draws attention to chronic hunger and to lasting solutions to hunger and poverty.

Saturday 29 May 2049

• 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.

• National Biscuit Day

  Fun and quirky

  National Biscuit Day on 29 May is a UK food day for the nation's favourite biscuits, used by retailers, brands and trade press.

• World Digestive Health Day

  AwarenessInternational

  World Digestive Health Day on 29 May is the World Gastroenterology Organisation's yearly public campaign on a digestive health topic.

Sunday 30 May 2049

• 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.

Monday 31 May 2049

• 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.