This is set to be a pretty intense summer. Between the Euros and the General Election, there’s a lot at stake. It’s important to keep up to date on everything that will be going on across June and July – after all, you don’t end up getting your wires crossed and heading to a polling station expecting the game to be on.
Turns out that the upcoming election on July 4 is actually coming at a pretty inconvenient time. There are a few things it’s going to clash with, and we’ve collected them all in one place for you here. Here’s everything that might complicate trips to the polls.
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Major events that clash with the 2024 General Election
Euro 2024
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. The Euros begin on June 14, with Scotland vs Germany kicking off the tournament. England's first game is a couple of days later on June 16. The tournament will be mostly taking place throughout June, and although no games are due to be played on July 4, the quarter finals are on July 5, so if England or Scotland make it that far many will be in Germany watching them play for their spot in the semis. The nation could be finding out its fate twice-over that day.
Wimbledon
In other sporting fixtures, Britain’s biggest tennis competition begins on July 1, and there will be games held on the same day as the election. This could complicate things for those planning to be court-side, or anyone who will be using public transport to get to their polling station in west London, as it’s likely there will be a bit of congestion.
British Grand Prix
Finally in sport-related complications, the British Grand Prix will begin on the day of the election, although as it is sequestered away at Silverstone racetrack it’s not that likely to cause any issues. The venue was previously used as a counting location, but local authorities have assured than an alternative space will be found and counting will go ahead as normal.
Festivals and live music
It’s summer, which means festival season across the world. Luckily, Glastonbury will be the week preceding the leccy g, so all its victims should be home and recovered when it’s time a vote.
However, a few lesser known festivals, including the Kelburn Garden Party festival, Sign of the Times fest in Hertfordshire, and Lytham Festival, which will see Hozier and Shania Twain hit the stage in Blackpool, will all coincide with Thursday July 4. In London, the Killers will be playing at the O2 Arena, so keep that in mind if you’ll be voting in south London and want to avoid the crowds.
Taylor Swift will be in Amsterdam on July 5, likely drawing with her some UK Swifties who were unsuccessful in getting tickets closer to home.
Summer holidays
Scottish schools will break for the summer on Friday June 28, so it’s pretty likely that many Scottish families will be away the week following. First Minister John Swinney called the date of the election the ‘latest act of disrespect’ from the UK government, accusing the Prime Minister of having not given Scotland ‘a moment’s thought’. Schools in Northern Ireland will also be broken up for the summer, with their holidays starting on July 1.
Many university students will also have moved back to their hometowns after finishing their exams in May or June, potentially changing where they are able to vote.
On top of this, plenty of those without children will be away on their annual breaks, making the most of the nice weather and cheaper prices.
Strikes
There are currently no rail, bus or airport strikes planned for July 4, but this is subject to change. Make sure to double check before you travel, and keep an eye on our handy train strikes guide to make sure you don’t get caught short.
Busy that day?
As you can see, a lot of people will already have plans on July 4. Polling stations will be open from 7am-10pm, but if you’re simply unavailable on the day of the election don't panic. You can vote by post, or nominate someone to cast a proxy vote for you, eg vote on your behalf. You'll need to register soon though – read this to find out everything you need to know about absent voting, including how to apply for it and when the deadline for applications is.
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