Rail workers at 14 train operators will go on strike on May 13, the day of the Eurovision Song Contest final.
The RMT rail union announced a fresh walkout after rejecting the latest offer from the Rail Delivery Group to resolve the long-running pay dispute.
The action coincides with the Eurovision final in Liverpool, in a blow to travellers heading to the glitzy ceremony which is being hosted by the UK on behalf of last year's winners Ukraine.