TODAY is February 29 – an extra day in February that only happens once every four years.
2024 is a leap year and there will be 366 days instead of 365 days this year allowing the Gregorian calendar to get back in sync with the seasons as the earth orbits the sun.
What happens when you’re born on February 29?
No doubt, it’s a unique day to be born but when do you celebrate your birthday in non-leap years?
Do you have cake and cards and a party on February 28 each year or wait until March 1?
These Mid Cheshire residents were all born on February 29 and have had different experiences of such a special birth date over the years.
Each of them was born in a leap year on the extra day in February meaning they can only celebrate their real birthday once every four years.
Does that mean they age at a quarter of the rate as the rest of us?
What’s it like being born on February 29?
Happy birthday to all the leaplings born on February 29!
Diana Smith with grandson Jack who is 24 years older than she is!
Diana Smith can’t wait to be old enough to buy a drink legally.
She was born on February 1956 – 68 years ago – but is still only 17!
Diana was born in Knutsford but now lives in Northwich and appeared in the Knutsford Guardian when she was born.
Diana Smith was in the paper when she was born in 1956
She went to St Cross Primary School and then Borbury Booths Junior School before moving onto Knutsford Secondary School for Girls.
Diana, who was crowned Knutsford Royal May Queen in 1969, said: “My mum always made me have my birthday on March 1 in non leap years and this would always start a fun argument where I would say that I wasn’t born in March and she would say that I wasn’t here on February 28.
Diana was Knutsford May Queen in 1969
“Nowadays, I am a little greedy and celebrate on both February 28 and March 1 so I’m a very lucky girl.
“This year, I’m going out for a meal and surprising my family with my new top – it has leap year and a frog on it!
“I really want to reach my 18th birthday and then it’s legal for me to drink!”
Julie Macdonald will be the big 4-0 this year - or just 10!
Julie Macdonald was born in Northwich on February 29, 1984 so will be the big 4-0 this year but just ten in leap years.
Julie, who went to Rudheath Primary School and then Rudheath High School, said: “I am 40 this year but celebrating my 10th official birthday.
“I usually celebrate on February 28 each year and I remember my parties were always fun when I was a child.
“I love the fact that I was born on such a unique day as I’ll never really be old!
“It’s always a nice talking point.
“I’m having a big party with friends and family – it’s the first big birthday that I’ve had a party.”
Arthur Bebbington will be celebrating turning 16 today but has only had four real birthdays.
The teenager, who lives in Winsford and goes to St Nicholas Catholic High School, was born on February 29, 2008.
He usually celebrates on February 28 in the years between leap years and there’s always a leap frog theme somewhere when it’s February 29, whether it’s bunting, banners or t shirts.
He’s currently in the middle of his mock GCSE exams so will be at school on his birthday and then enjoying family celebrations this evening.
Arthur said: “I quite like having my birthday on February 29 – it’s a bit quirky and unusual.
“I like that I’m only four really!”
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