The nation will gather once again on Friday 5th June 2026 to pay tribute to one of Britain’s most iconic dishes, as National Fish & Chip Day returns for a truly special year that sees the occasion enter its second decade of celebrations.
An annual fixture in the British calendar, the day was created to honour the iconic standing that fish and chips holds in the hearts of people across the country. From humble beginnings, it has developed into the most significant food awareness day the UK has to offer. The scale of last year’s event spoke for itself, with over 442 million people coming across coverage of the day in 2025 through various media channels, a remarkable demonstration of the nation’s undiminished affection for this enduring classic.
Despite the ongoing challenges of escalating costs across the supply chain and the pressures of a difficult labour environment, fish and chip businesses throughout the UK are proving their resilience in impressive fashion, adapting their offerings, broadening the range of responsibly sourced species on their menus, and continuing to find inventive ways to keep this much-loved dish available and affordable for communities the length and breadth of the country.
National Fish & Chip Day is equally a moment to recognise and celebrate the many hands involved in delivering this dish from sea and field to plate; the fishers who brave all manner of weather conditions, the farmers cultivating the potatoes and peas, and the countless chip shops, restaurants, and home cooks who take these raw ingredients and create something truly worth celebrating.
Gary Lewis, President of NEODA (founders of the day), said:
“National Fish & Chip Day is a celebration not only of a much-loved British tradition, but also of the innovation helping to secure its future. As we look ahead to the big day in 2026, we’re encouraging shops and customers to explore a wider range of fish beyond cod and haddock; from hake to pollock and other responsibly sourced species. By embracing variety, we can support sustainability, reduce pressure on key stocks and ensure that fish and chips remain a staple of British life for generations to come.”
Festivities are set to take place the length and breadth of the country, with fish and chip businesses planning special menus, local competitions, and community-focused events to mark the occasion, so where will your celebration be taking you this year?
Head to www.nationalfishandchipday.org.uk to find out more.