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Posted by Francis Whitehead on August 23, 2023
This year's so-called summer has proven a grey, miserable let-down for the majority of Brits. Despite July being the world’s hottest month on record since 1880, it was also one of the UK’s wettest - and it feels like we’ve been the victims of mostly dull, cloudy conditions ever since.
Monday the 28th happens to be our last Bank Holiday before Christmas, so despite the grim weather being forecast, it’s important we spend it well! Consider yourself lucky if you’re still in school because you’ve had all the time in the world to have a scorching (as much as it can be) summer holiday. Adding on from that, it looks like we may be set for yet another grey, wet and rainy bank holiday.
However, a day of rest like this is worth its weight in gold and needs to be used wisely! But how did they all come about?
History of the Bank Holiday
The word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg (hālig "holy" + dæg "day"). The word originally referred only to special religious days. Any day of rest was considered a “holy day” back then!
It was politician and banker Sir John Lubbock who authored the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which made four public holidays officially recognised: Easter Monday, Whitmonday, the first Monday of August, and December 26, now known as Boxing Day (which the origins to this day still spark debates in historians!)
Allegedly, the four holidays were picked by Sir John Lubbock coincided with cricket matches that were on at the time. Clearly he had his priorities sorted! I bet if he was here today, he’d book the entire T20 off!
Believe it or not, we had even more before this, as up until 1834 there were a whopping 33 public holidays in the UK, consisting of Saint’s days and religious festivals. But unfortunately, some spoilsport considered this to be too excessive, so in 1834 the number was reduced to just four.
Our current bank holidays consist of:
Unfortunately, no extra Bank Holiday has been granted after the Lionesses lost the World Cup to Spain’s national women's team… we’re sure it’ll come home eventually.
What’s Occurring this Bank Holiday Weekend?
Up North, thousands will flock to the city of Manchester for its iconic Pride Festival, complete with parade, as well as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ gig at Wythenshawe Park, and Manchester United’s game against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
However, it’s no surprise that there'll be limited trains and buses around Greater Manchester over the bank holiday due to strike action. Cheers, Northern Rail.
Up in Lancashire, down the road from Ability Superstore Headquarters is the annual Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne, which is expected to be absolutely bustling with rockin’ acts.
But if you’re in the mood for tents, sludge, and alternative music, Reading and Leeds Fest will be taking place too.
And if you're in the Midlands, the ultra-accessible and dog-friendly Shrewsbury Folk Festival will be here this bank holiday weekend. Folk music, workshops and Morris dancing make up this family event!
Finally, all the way down south is The Big Feastival, nestled in Blur bassist Alex James' very own Cotswolds farm. Celeb chefs, mouth-watering street food, and lots and lots of cheese make for a tasty event. Did we mention Rick Astley is headlining?
If you’re braving a festival this bank holiday weekend, we have a handy Festival Survival Guide on our TikTok page here:
@theabilitysuperstore Festival season is upon us so get prepared today! Check out our products on our TikTok shop 🎸🕺🪩 #disability #uksmallbusiness #abilitysuperstore #accessibility #accessibilitymatters #festival #festivalseason ♬ Guitar riff: Aerosmith style: Rock(1250228) - RingoHoshi
However, we at Ability Superstore have no doubt that most of us will just fancy risking a trip to the beach, or failing that a nice chilled evening at home, free of work and responsibilities. If you’re planning on doing the latter and putting your feet up, you’ll be glad to know that we have some excellent daily living aids to help enhance your comfort.
For everything you need on your lap, from a cup of tea to a ham and cheese toastie, look no further than this cushioned Wooden Lap Tray. It features a laminated surface for easy cleaning and a soft cushioned bean bag bottom so you can relax in comfort with nothing digging into your legs.
Picture this, you’ve made an absolutely fiendish bowl of tomato and feta pasta, you’re proudly bringing it into the front room just for you to stop everything for 5 minutes so you can find that peskily tiny Firestick remote that’s no doubt slid right into some uncharted crevice of the sofa. Rid your woes with the Arm Rest Organiser! Not only does it have a sturdy tray perfect for a brew and a packet of biscuits, but also handy side compartment pockets to place your remote controls!
Instrumental to quite literally putting your feet up is this incredibly comfy adjustable Footstool. Its adjustable height ensures you can set it level with your favourite sofa or armchair, and its foam padding ensures you will be kicking back and relaxing at your full potential.
It’s no surprise that this fantastic offering comes from Lifemax, as this is the ultimate relaxation aid. The ultra-soft Heated Massage Cushion gently warms and gives off soothing and massaging vibrations, making it an excellent aid for people living with mobility issues or any health conditions that cause aches and pains. The USB rechargeable battery enables up to 2 hours of heat and vibration, so you can take it anywhere you like.
If you're choosing to brave one of the many festivals happening this weekend, make sure you bring a reliable extra layer like this Simplantex Mac! It comes with a well-needed hood and is designed for maximum comfort and protection from cold and rainy weather. Just what you need in this evidently British summertime!
@theabilitysuperstore How will you be spending this Bank Holiday Weekend? #abilitysuperstore #ineverknewthis #gadgets #mobilityaidsarebadass #mobilityaid #uksmallbusiness #tiktokmademebuyit #disability ♬ original sound - abilitysuperstore
How will you be spending the last bank holiday weekend of this year? Ability Superstore would love to know!
And don't forget everything you need to make sure you make the most of this bank holiday weekend! If you have any questions about any of the products featured in this blog, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We will be more than happy to help you out!
