Four in ten Brits plan to do little other than enjoying the sunshine over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend – after breaking the bank on the previous two long weekends this month.
Nearly a quarter (23%) will spend the three-day weekend either reading or listening to music, while 42% will invite family or friends over – and one in five will even host a barbeque in their garden or outdoor space.
It comes as almost a fifth (18%), of the 2,000 adults polled, predict May will end up being their most expensive month this year, other than December.
This was blamed on the three bank holiday weekends, with 26% saying they splash more cash on making the most of a long weekend, than on the standard two-day break.
But 12% plan to look for a free local event to attend this weekend – as 34% say they wish they could spend less during bank holidays.
The research was commissioned by B&Q to mark the launch of its Gardener of the Year competition, where gardeners of all abilities, and outdoor spaces great and small, can enter four categories for a chance of winning £10,000.
Steve Guy, Outdoor category director at the home improvement retailer, said: “Having three Mondays off in the month, as well as the weather finally taking a turn for the better, has seen many celebrating by spending on activities each long weekend.
“This Bank Holiday, it’s great to see people choosing to enjoy their gardens and outdoor spaces, and it’s exciting to see Brits take advantage of the benefits of spending time in nature.
“A low-cost way of being in the garden this weekend could be to go out with the kids and inspect any bugs or wildlife you can find – or of course the British classic, fire up the BBQ with friends and family.”
The research also found 87% of respondents believe their outdoor space is at least “fairly” important to them – if not very important.
For 63%, this is because it allows them to enjoy some fresh air, while 44% consider it a great place to spend quality time with family and friends.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) try and encourage nature in their outdoor space, by putting in bird feeders (55%), pollen-friendly plants (52%), or water sources for animals (47%).
And 27% have a “bug hotel” or a woodpile set up for creepy-crawlies and smaller creatures to thrive, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Steve Guy added: “If you’re tending to your garden this Bank Holiday and feel proud of your space, why not be in with a chance of winning £10,000, and enter our B&Q Gardener of the Year competition.”
Entries for the competition, which will see Fred Sirieix as the celebrity guest judge, close at noon on Friday, 23rd June 2023.
HOW BRITS WILL SPEND THE LAST BANK HOLIDAY OF MAY...
- Enjoying the sun
- Gardening
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Having family over
- Hosting a barbeque
- Having friends over
- Filling planters
- Planting herbs and vegetables
- Exercising
