Mad Friday is almost with us – will you be partaking? (Picture: SWNS)
‘Mad Friday’ is almost upon us, as Christmas 2022 is coming ever closer.
Mad Friday, as it’s known by many, often sees plenty of people head to pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs to celebrate the festive period.
This is usually one of the busiest days of the year for the emergency services, with extra security and police officers often called in to deal with the (potentially intoxicated) crowds.
Christmas parties are always worth a lot to the hospitality sector.
However, just what effect the ongoing rail strikes and cost of living crisis are going to have on Christmas trade this year remains to be seen.
But just when is Mad Friday?
Here is what you need to know.
What is Mad Friday?
Mad Friday is usually the last working Friday before Christmas and is one of the most popular nights for office Christmas parties.
It has several other nicknames, including Black Friday, Builders’ Friday, and even Black Eye Friday – due to the increase in the number of fights that break out in bars, clubs and pubs.
Builders’ Friday refers to the last working day for builders ahead of Christmas.
There is expected to be a significant rise in alcohol-related incidents as a result, with hundreds of booze-fueled incidents reported in the past.
Mad Friday is one of the busiest nights of the year for hospitality. (Picture: SWNS)
According to National World, ‘The day was originally known as Black Friday and was coined by the police, but, in 2013 the day became more popularly known as Mad Friday by the press in order to avoid confusion with the sales event that kicks off annually in November.’
When is Mad Friday 2022?
This year, Mad Friday is today – Friday, 16 December, 2022.
Mad Friday is usually on the last working Friday before Christmas (which would be on Friday, 23 December).
However, that falls incredibly close to Christmas, when many people will already be away on holiday.
In December 2013, Greater Manchester Police used the hashtag #MadMancFriday to show the effects that a copious amount of alcohol had on people.
The emergency services usually plan for this day in advance and will station extra police on the streets and even mobile medical units across some major cities.
Pubs and bars operate as normal with no special hours, but many will put on special events and offers.
It’s advisable to take extra care if going out on Friday and to plan for larger crowds and busier venues.
MORE : Wetherspoon under threat after people realised where they can get cheaper booze
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Mad Friday can be one of the busiest days of the year for emergency services.
