Fresh from marking International Women's Day, our creative and media specialists are starting to eye up other calendar fixtures in the coming months. Here's the big ones, alongside some interesting facts and stats behind them.
MOTHER'S DAY
When? Sunday 22nd March.Every year, millions of people around the world flock to retail stores and online outlets for one reason: their mum. Originating as a ‘Mothers’ Friendship Day’ in 1868, Mother’s Day in the UK is expecting to see an average spend of £58 per person.
- Spending in the UK was predicted to rise to £1.6BN in 2019
- Consumers start searching for Mother’s Day on the 3rd Feb, with searches spiking on 16th March
- Women aged 35-49 were talking the most about Mother’s Day on Facebook last year, with men only taking up 19.6% of the conversation
- 35% of Mother’s Day related searches in 2019 were on YouTube
APRIL FOOLS' DAY
When? Monday 1st April.April Fools’ began as a custom in France during the 1500s when New Year's Day was moved from April 1st to January 1st.People who continued to celebrate on April 1st were known as April Fools.
- In the UK, 86% of people think humour is one of the best ways a company can connect with them
- 68% say that they think April Fools’ campaigns are funny
- Brands who produced entertaining April Fools’ content saw engagement more than triple per post
EASTER SUNDAY
When? Sunday 12th April.
Easter happens at different times each years and will land on the 12th April in 2020.Easter is usually preceded by Lent, a period of fasting, and lasts 40 days.Traditionally, eggs were a sign of new life and rebirth, however modern eggs are focused on cleaner consciences and me-first attitudes.
- Chocolate remains a key part of Easter. Confectionary sales grew from £375m in 2017 to £395m in 2018Brits are growing ever-concerned with wellness, health & sustainability. Many are turning to self-care. This is shown by the popularity of LookFantastic’s pampering £65 beauty egg15 million Brits took a short holiday during Easter 2018. Almost half of the £1.1BN spent over the weekend was on Easter getaways
WORLD COCKTAIL DAY
When? Wednesday 13th May.
- The volume of spirits bought increased 3.8% from 2018 to 2019 but in 2018, nearly £43m was spent on no or low alcohol equivalents
- Millennials between the ages 21 and 34 are driving the growth of day-time drinking, but 16% say they would choose a non- alcoholic cocktail if available
- 63% of those who drink alcohol say that flavour is the most important factor when choosing a drink
- The cocktail market continues to grow in value and was estimated to be worth £587m in 2019
MAY BANK HOLIDAY
When? Friday 8th & Monday 25th May.
Bank Holidays were originally named St Lubbock’s Days, after the banker Sir John Lubbock who authored the Bank Holidays Act of 1871 (the name didn’t stick). The early May bank holiday has swapped from its usual position to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day – the end of World War Two in Europe.
MORE DATES FOR THE DIARY
- £113 more is spent on Bank Holiday weekends versus the average weekend
- Searches spike during the week of May 5th with most users searching for ‘May Bank Holiday 2020 Change’
- Sales volumes for SMEs were up 6% over the first May Bank Holiday in 2019, and a further 5% over the second, providing UK SMEs with an estimated boost of £118m
- Pride Month runs from 1st June to 30th June
- Father’s Day lands on the 21st June
- Wimbledon takes place between 29th June and 12th July
- World Emoji Day is celebrated on 17th July
- The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is due to hold its opening ceremony on 24th July
