This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7573608.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
TV 'is top bank holiday pastime' TV 'is top bank holiday pastime'
(about 7 hours later)
Most Britons will spend the August bank holiday watching television, a survey has suggested. Most people in England, Wales and N Ireland will spend the August Bank Holiday watching television, a survey has suggested.
Two-thirds of the 2,000 British adults questioned by Mintel said they would pursue this pastime on their day off. Two-thirds of the 2,000 adults questioned by Mintel said they would pursue this pastime on their day off.
Some 36% said they were not interested in getting involved with community events or celebrating their heritage, and only 9% said they would do DIY. Some 36% said they were not interested in getting involved with community events or celebrating their heritage.
James McCoy, of Mintel, said: "Brits are simply not proactive or spontaneous during their bank holidays."James McCoy, of Mintel, said: "Brits are simply not proactive or spontaneous during their bank holidays."
Researchers found most people said they preferred to watch television or use the internet, with just 14% opting to visit their family and friends, or walk in the countryside. Researchers found most people said they preferred to watch television or use the internet, with just 14% opting to visit their family and friends, or walk in the countryside and only 9% said they would spend the day doing DIY.
Workers in Scotland celebrated their August Bank Holiday on 4 August this year.
The survey findings follow calls for the August bank holiday to be turned into a national day to celebrate "Britishness".The survey findings follow calls for the August bank holiday to be turned into a national day to celebrate "Britishness".
National purpose?National purpose?
In June, Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said the day could be used to hold street parties, show films and listen to a speech from the Queen to create a sense of unity within communities.In June, Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said the day could be used to hold street parties, show films and listen to a speech from the Queen to create a sense of unity within communities.
However, Mintel said its findings showed that public holidays "lack any real meaning beyond having a day off work" for the typical Briton.However, Mintel said its findings showed that public holidays "lack any real meaning beyond having a day off work" for the typical Briton.
Mr McCoy said "the fact that we don't do anything on bank holidays" could reflect a "lack of national purpose".Mr McCoy said "the fact that we don't do anything on bank holidays" could reflect a "lack of national purpose".
Monday's August bank holiday is the final extra day off that British workers will have before Christmas Day. Monday's August Bank Holiday is the final extra day off that workers will have before Christmas Day.
And while 60% of people questioned in the survey said they wanted another day away from the office, respondents could not agree when to have one.And while 60% of people questioned in the survey said they wanted another day away from the office, respondents could not agree when to have one.
Some 41% of people who responded said they thought they should have a public holiday in April to celebrate St George's Day. Meanwhile 38% hoped to fill the gap between the August bank holiday and Christmas with a day off to mark Remembrance Day on November 11. Some 41% of people who responded said they thought they should have a public holiday in April to celebrate St George's Day. Meanwhile 38% hoped to fill the gap between the August Bank Holiday and Christmas with a day off to mark Remembrance Day on 11 November.