UK Calendar February 2026: Holidays, Festivals and the Biggest Events
UK Calendar February 2026

February 2026 in the UK: What You Need to Know

February is often underestimated in the UK calendar. While there are no nationwide public holidays, it is one of the most event-heavy months of the year, especially in sport, culture, fashion, and film.

For residents, February means busy weekends and normal working weeks. For visitors and businesses, it is a month where events, not holidays, drive travel demand, hotel prices, and city activity, particularly in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Dublin-facing cities, and Manchester.

Read more: Top 30 Holidays and Festivals Most Popular in the UK in 2026: A Complete Guide

UK Public Holidays in February 2026

  • No UK-wide bank holidays in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

  • Government offices, banks, and most businesses operate on standard schedules.

  • School half-term holidays usually fall in February, but dates vary by local authority and nation.

Planning tip: Even without bank holidays, half-term weeks often lead to higher prices for family attractions, domestic flights, and hotels.

Major National Events and Festivals

Six Nations Championship – February’s Defining Event

The Six Nations Championship dominates the UK sporting calendar throughout February. Matches are played almost every weekend, making it a peak month for rugby fans and hospitality venues.

February 2026 Six Nations fixtures

  • 5–7 February – Tournament opener and Round 1

  • 14–15 February – Round 2

  • 21–22 February – Round 3

Why it matters

  • Stadiums sell out quickly and pubs run all-day coverage.

  • Transport and accommodation demand rises sharply in host cities.

  • Matches involving England, Ireland, and Wales attract particularly large crowds.

For visitors, Six Nations weekends can be exciting but busy. Booking trains and hotels well in advance is strongly recommended.

London Fashion Week: 19–23 February 2026

London Fashion Week (LFW) is one of the “Big Four” global fashion weeks and a major driver of international travel to the capital in February.

What happens during London Fashion Week

  • Designer runway shows and presentations

  • Industry talks and press events

  • Brand pop-ups, exhibitions, and retail collaborations

Impact on London

  • Higher hotel occupancy in central London

  • Busy restaurants and nightlife in Soho, Mayfair, and the West End

  • Increased media presence and international visitors

Even if you are not attending shows, LFW week brings a noticeable energy to the city and often coincides with public-facing cultural events.

EE BAFTA Film Awards: Sunday, 22 February 2026

The BAFTA Film Awards are the UK’s most prestigious film ceremony and a key milestone in the international awards season.

Why BAFTA weekend matters

  • Significant global media attention

  • Red-carpet events and celebrity appearances in London

  • Cinemas and streaming platforms highlight nominated films

For film fans, mid-to-late February is an excellent time to explore UK cinemas, which often curate BAFTA-themed screenings.

Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year Celebrations

  • Lunar New Year: Tuesday, 17 February 2026 (Year of the Horse)

  • Main London celebrations: Saturday–Sunday, 21–22 February 2026

London hosts the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia, making this one of the most important public festivals of the month.

Where it happens

  • Chinatown

  • Trafalgar Square

  • Leicester Square and the West End

What to expect

  • Traditional parades and lion dances

  • Live music and cultural performances

  • Street food, markets, and family-friendly activities

Travel advice: Arrive early and expect very large crowds, especially on Sunday afternoon.

The BRIT Awards 2026: Saturday, 28 February

The BRIT Awards are the UK’s flagship music awards and a major televised event.

Key details

  • Date: 28 February 2026

  • Location: Manchester

Why it matters

  • Major boost to Manchester’s hotels, nightlife, and media presence

  • Strong national and international broadcast audience

  • Performances and announcements that often shape the UK music industry for the year ahead

Other Important February 2026 Dates

LGBT+ History Month (All February)

Observed nationwide with exhibitions, talks, school programmes, and workplace events. It is widely supported by cultural institutions and local councils.

Children’s Mental Health Week & National Apprenticeship Week

  • Dates: 9–15 February 2026

These two major national campaigns run at the same time, leading to a high volume of school activities, employer events, and public discussions across the UK.

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

  • Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day): 17 February 2026

  • Ash Wednesday: 18 February 2026

Pancake Day is informally celebrated across the UK with café specials, charity pancake races, and supermarket promotions, followed by Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent for many Christians.

Glasgow Film Festival: From 25 February 2026

The Glasgow Film Festival opens on 25 February and runs into early March.

Why it stands out

  • UK and international film premieres

  • Guest appearances and Q&A sessions

  • Strong cultural impact across the city

For visitors interested in film and culture, late February is an excellent time to visit Glasgow.

Practical Planning Guide for February 2026

  • Best for: Sport fans, film lovers, fashion followers, and cultural travellers

  • Not ideal for: Those seeking bank-holiday breaks or quiet city weekends

  • Book early for London and major cities during event-heavy weekends

  • Expect crowds around Six Nations matches, Lunar New Year celebrations, and BAFTA weekend

Final Takeaway

February 2026 may not include UK public holidays, but it delivers one of the richest and most diverse monthly calendars of the year. From international rugby and red-carpet film awards to major cultural festivals and awareness campaigns, it is a month that keeps the UK active, connected, and globally visible.