If you're looking forward to the next long weekend you're in luck as the Easter bank holiday weekend is in sight.

Not only does it mean you can tuck into plenty of chocolate eggs, it also means that most employees can enjoy some much-needed time off.

Find out when Easter falls this year, and when Lent begins and ends.

When is Easter 2018?

This year Easter Sunday falls on April 21. 

Good Friday (April 19) and Easter Monday (April 22) will be bank holidays, which means most workers will be able to enjoy a four-day weekend. 

Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as the day Jesus Christ was resurrected after his crucifixion. 

The Easter weekend follows Maundy Thursday - the day of the Last Supper.

Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, and was in the grave for three days and three nights before he was resurrected on Easter Sunday. 

Why do the Easter dates change each year?

The date is determined by the lunar calendar, which is why it changes every year. 


This then led to Christians celebrating Easter on different dates. Jesus was crucified in first century Judea, historians believe the year was between 30 AD and 33 AD.

When does lent start? 

Lent - the beginning of a fasting period leading up to Easter Sunday - falls on Wednesday, March 6. 

It comes the day after Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day. 

Instead of fasting most people will give up a particular food, drink or habit - for example not eating chocolate.

Lent comes to an end on Thursday, April 18. 

The period includes six Sundays, which are not included in the Lenten fast.