When is Mad Friday 2023? What to expect and how to stay safe

Stay safe this Christmas, it's going to be a mad one.
PA
Georgia Chambers5 December 2023

If you thought Black Friday was chaotic, it’s got nothing on Mad Friday.

This time, instead of rushing to the sales, Brits will be sprinting to the pub as they celebrate closing their office doors before Christmas.

The evening has grown notorious for party-goers taking the term "getting into the festive spirit" a bit too literally, downing vodka and gin like there’s no tomorrow.

So when is Mad Friday this year and what can you expect if you’re heading out for the evening? Here’s what you need to know:

What is Mad Friday?

Revellers in St Mary Street, Cardiff during Black Eye Friday, as people across the country celebrate the start of the Christmas break by hitting bars, pubs and clubs.

Mad Friday is the last working Friday before Christmas when people across the country don their best party outfits and go out to paint the town red.

It’s the most popular night for office Christmas parties and, unfortunately, for alcohol-induced injuries and incidents.

There will be extra police being stationed on the streets as well as additional mobile medical units in major cities.

In previous years, newspapers were flooded with pictures of revellers who had had a bit too much fun, shown vomiting, collapsing, urinating and being shepherded into the back of ambulances.

The fateful evening was originally coined Black Friday, but to avoid confusion with the American retail event which has since grown in popularity in the UK, the press began referring to it as Mad Friday.

When is Mad Friday?

This year, the last Friday before Christmas falls on December 22, which at least gives you enough time to recover from your hangover before Christmas Day.

How to stay safe on Mad Friday

Eat before drinking and try to drink water in between alcoholic drinks.

Town centres and cities will also be extra busy this evening so make sure you make arrangements for your journey home.

Whatever your plans, make sure you look out for your friends and stay safe - it's going to be a mad one.

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