# What Is Pentecost? Whitsunday Dates

> Canonical: https://churchnearme.org.uk/guides/what-is-pentecost

Church Near Me explains Pentecost (Whit Sunday) — the feast fifty days after Easter marking the coming of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost {year} falls on {formatLongGb(pentecostDate)}. Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Pentecostal churches all keep the day. Confirm times with the parish.

## FAQs

### When is Pentecost in 2027?

Pentecost Sunday 2027 falls on 16 May 2027. Pentecost is always celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday. In 2026, Pentecost Sunday fell on 24 May 2026.

### What is the difference between Pentecost and Whitsunday?

Whitsunday (or Whit Sunday) is the traditional English name for Pentecost. The name is thought to derive from 'White Sunday' — a reference to the white garments worn by those baptised at Pentecost. In the Church of England, the day is officially called Pentecost.

### What happened on the day of Pentecost?

According to Acts chapter 2, the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem when a sound like a mighty wind filled the room and tongues of fire appeared above each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages. Peter then preached and around 3,000 people were baptised.

### Is Pentecost a Bank Holiday in the UK?

Pentecost itself is no longer a public holiday. Until 1971, Whit Monday was a Bank Holiday. It was replaced by the Late Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May — a date which no longer tracks with Pentecost.

### What is the season of Pentecost?

The long period from Pentecost Sunday to Advent is called 'Ordinary Time' or 'The Season after Pentecost' — typically 26–29 Sundays. The liturgical colour is green, symbolising growth.

### How do I find a Pentecost church service near me?

Search Churches Near Me by postcode, or browse Church of England, Catholic and Pentecostal hubs. Pentecost Sunday is a principal feast — most parishes hold a main morning service. Confirm the time with the parish; we do not invent one.

Read the full guide: https://churchnearme.org.uk/guides/what-is-pentecost