diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index 41222dc7221..71bea4b7ee9 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 MAJOR = 2
-MINOR = 7
+MINOR = 8
 PATCH = 0
 # A specific DATE (YYYY-MM-DD) fixes an official release, otherwise
 # it is considered Development version.
-DATE  = 2024-07-29
+DATE  = 2024-12-11