Replacement public holiday in August?

A replacement public holiday is being planned to replace the cancelled Senior Race Day.

The Council of Ministers is considering introducing one in August on the 28th of that month.

It comes after Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, announced yesterday the Senior Race Day bank holiday - previously planned on June 12 - would not be going ahead.

Treasury Minister, Alf Cannan MHK, has apologised for the lack of information on this matter before now, and says it's appropriate to consider the new date 'to recognise and celebrate the efforts of health and social care staff, key workers and the whole community in meeting the challenges of the pandemic'.

Mr Cannan adds 'This will hopefully mean that more families and friends can come together to properly mark the occasion and that more local businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector will benefit.'