Early May Bank Holiday 2025 opening times LIVE: Tesco, Asda & Aldi reveal operating hours ahead of VE Day celebrations
SHOPPERS are urged to check the opening times of their local store today with some big names such as M&S and Aldi announcing they will close early to give staff time off this Bank Holiday.
Aldi has confirmed it will be open from 8am to 8pm on Monday while Tesco is sticking to its standard hours today.
Most gyms such as The Gym Group – which operates 24/7 – have announced they will be open all day but it's still best to check with your local outlet.
Those waiting on deliveries may be pleased to know that while there won’t be traditional post on Monday, Amazon packages will still be delivered.
Meanwhile, thousands of people have eagerly lined up along The Mall ahead of today's VE Day military parade in London.
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Post Office Bank Holiday service: will your mail be delivered today?
Most Post Offices across the UK will be closed today for the Bank Holiday.
However, branches located inside major retailers like WHSmith or convenience stores may still be open – but with reduced hours.
It’s always best to double-check your local branch’s opening times using the Post Office Branch Finder tool before heading out.
Opening times for DIY stores today
Don’t get caught out by reduced opening hours at your favourite DIY stores.
B&Q stores will be OPEN on Bank Holiday Monday, with most locations running from 7am to 8pm.
However, hours can vary by location, so it’s always best to check the before heading out.
Homebase will also be open as usual on Monday, with most branches operating from 8am to 8pm.
A few smaller stores may open slightly later or close earlier, so check their Store Locator for exact times.
Wickes is keeping its doors open on Bank Holiday Monday, with stores running normal hours of 7am to 8pm.
Morrisons opening hours
Morrisons will be keeping most of its 500 stores open as usual on Monday.
Check your local store’s opening hours for exact times as they vary across the country.
Waitrose Early May bank holiday times
Waitrose has confirmed it will operate as usual over the May bank holiday.
The chain of supermarkets will welcome customers from 8am till 8pm.
Greggs opening hours today
Most Greggs shops will be open today.
However, stores might operate under reduced hours and it is best to check with your local branch.
Fans of the bakery chain can now try their TikTok viral lunch items across the UK.
Over 1,750 Greggs’ shops around the country with Hot To Go units will soon have Mac & Cheese available by the end of July.
Credit: Louis Wood Lidl Early May bank holiday hours
Normally, Lidl remains open over the May bank holiday so shoppers can buy their favourite groceries on their day off.
Lidl opens at 8am and shuts at 10pm, but shoppers are advised to check the brand’s app.
Aldi reveals opening hours for today
German retailer Aldi will close their doors two hours early today, shutting at 8pm.
Credit: Getty Asda opening hours
Asda will not be adjusting their opening hours over the bank holiday, meaning that customers can shop with ease on May 5.
However, as the holiday will coincide with many of the UK’s Victory in Europe (VE) Day celebrations, local stores may vary their hours.
Checking the Asda app ahead of time is a great way to get the exact opening times of your local store.
2025 bank holidays
There are still more Bank Holidays to come in 2025 – here’s the complete list:
- May 26 – (Monday) Spring Bank Holiday
- August 25 – (Monday) Summer Bank Holiday
- December 25 – (Thursday) Christmas Day
- December 26 – (Friday) Boxing Day
Home Bargains Early May bank holiday hours
Home Bargains will be remaining open as normal on Monday, so that customers can do some last-minute shopping on their day off.
The chain only closes fully on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, as there are laws requiring large shops to close on these holidays.
However, since there are no such restrictions on May 5, Home Bargains is free to open.
The chain normally opens its doors at 8am and closes again at 8pm, but check in-store to see if your branch will adjust its hours.
Co-op opening hours
Co-op’s wide network of stores will remain open today.
However, some stores may vary their hours so it is best to ask a member of staff for more details.
Credit: Getty Extended opening times
Britain’s biggest department stores have extended opening times today with huge discounts across fashion, homeware and beauty.
With thousands of shoppers set to hit the high streets for the long weekend, these retail giants are slashing prices to tempt bargain hunters through their doors.
- Best time to shop: Early morning (within the first hour of opening) or after 4pm when the initial rush dies down
- Busiest period: 12pm to 3pm when most shoppers hit the stores after a morning lie-in
Next stores nationwide will be OPEN on Bank Holiday Monday with most branches operating from 9am to 6pm – though this varies by location.
John Lewis will welcome shoppers with slightly REDUCED hours on Monday, with most stores opening from 10am to 6pm (an hour less than normal weekdays).
M&S stores will be operating with modified hours for the Bank Holiday, with most branches open from 8am to 7pm (Foodhalls may open earlier).
Credit: PA Post Office Bank Holiday service: will your mail be delivered today?
Most Post Offices across the UK will be closed today for the Bank Holiday.
However, branches located inside major retailers like WHSmith or convenience stores may still be open – but with reduced hours.
It’s always best to double-check your local branch’s opening times using the Post Office Branch Finder tool before heading out.
Opening times for DIY stores today
Don’t get caught out by reduced opening hours at your favourite DIY stores.
B&Q stores will be OPEN on Bank Holiday Monday, with most locations running from 7am to 8pm.
However, hours can vary by location, so it’s always best to check the before heading out.
Homebase will also be open as usual on Monday, with most branches operating from 8am to 8pm.
A few smaller stores may open slightly later or close earlier, so check their Store Locator for exact times.
Wickes is keeping its doors open on Bank Holiday Monday, with stores running normal hours of 7am to 8pm.
UK shopping centres and their Bank Holiday opening hours revealed
The UK’s top malls are gearing up for a busy Monday.
Westfield London (White City) will be open from 10am to 9pm on Bank Holiday Monday.
Restaurants and entertainment venues, including the cinema and bowling alleys, may stay open later.
Trafford Centre (Manchester) will open its doors from 10am to 8pm this Bank Holiday.
The food court and leisure attractions, including Legoland and Sea Life, will remain open later.
Bullring & Grand Central (Birmingham) will be open from 10am to 7pm, with some restaurants and bars staying open until late.
Bluewater (Kent) will operate on Bank Holiday hours of 10am to 9pm, offering plenty of time to shop, dine, and explore.
Bank Holiday restaurant bargains plus how to beat the queues
The nation’s favourite restaurant chains are laying on special menus and extended hours this Bank Holiday Monday – but you’ll need to be quick to grab a table at peak times!
Industry insiders are predicting a huge trading boost as Brits pack out eateries across the country to make the most of the three-day weekend.
- Book online or aim for late afternoon (3-5pm) when crowds typically thin out
- Use apps like Wagamamas’ to ‘Join the Queue’ remotely and get notified when your table’s ready
- Avoid the lunch rush at 12-2pm and dinner peak at 6-8pm
Nando’s: The popular chicken chain will keep their doors open with normal hours on Bank Holiday Monday and they’re offering a peri-peri special deal!
Wagamama’s: The Asian-inspired favourite will be serving up their famous Katsu curry all day, with most branches operating full hours.
Pizza Express: This Italian staple is going big this Bank Holiday with extended hours and a family feast deal.
TGI Fridays: Expect a party atmosphere at TGIs with special Bank Holiday cocktails and deals all day.
Credit: Getty Fast food opening hours
Here’s your guide to fast food and coffee shop opening hours this Bank Holiday.
McDonalds: The Golden Arches are operate normal hours today.
Costa: Most stores open on Bank Holiday Monday, though some with slightly reduced hours.
Starbucks: America’s coffee giant will be open for business, with most UK branches welcoming customers today.
Credit: Rex Gym opening times
Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about hitting the gym this Bank Holiday.
The Gym Group, which operates its branches 24/7, will remain open as usual over the Early May Bank Holiday.
Fellow 24/7 outlet Pure Gym will also stay open as usual, as will Total Fitness’ 15 locations across England and Wales.
Other chains such as Bannatyne’s and David Lloyd will also operate in their regular hours, although some clubs from the latter may have a reduced number of classes.
It’s always best to check online or ring up your local gym to check if it’s open before you head out.
VE Day celebrations
As well as the VE military parade in London today, millions will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marks the end of World War II in Europe in 1945.
While Thursday has not been made an additional day off, the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday has been dedicated to community celebrations to mark the anniversary.
There are expected to be countless street parties and picnics, with Cardiff Castle hosting the largest party of them all, with an estimated 5,000 people attending.
At noon, more than 1,000 servicemen and women will parade in Parliament Square in London.
While we enjoyed plenty of sunshine earlier this week, temperatures are expected to plunge on VE Day, meaning celebrations might have to be undertaken with an extra layer on.
On Thursday itself, you will also be able to celebrate late into the night as pubs have been allowed to stay open and keep serving until 1am.
Credit: PA Busy day on the roads
Today is expected to be one of the busiest of the year for Britain’s roads.
More than 17 million Brits were predicted to hit the road as families capitalise on the long weekend by visiting others across the UK.
However, you may be worried that you won’t be able to fill up your tank if petrol stations are closed today.
Thankfully, while some local petrol stations may operate under shortened hours, most large outlets, especially those with pay-at-pump facilities, are expected to run as normal.
It’s best to check online, however, to see if your nearest station will be open today.
Boots reveals opening hours for today
There are likely to be some closures of the pharmacy chain Boots today.
While larger stores are expected to be operating on reduced hours, some smaller local branches may be closed entirely.
If your local Boots is closed, you may have better luck with Lloyds or Superdrug pharmacies nearby, although many of these may be operating with reduced hours.
Credit: Alamy Next reveals store opening times for Monday
High street fashion staple Next has announced its Bank Holiday opening times with most locations will retain their regular hours today.
However, some stores may be operating under reduced bank holiday times.
You can check if your local outlet is open online before you head out, using the retailer’s store locator .
Credit: PA Wetherspoons opening hours
Wetherspoons is always popular with Brits, but its pubs typically become even busier over .
Unlike many other food and drink establishments, Wetherspoons has always tried to keep as many of its pubs open during public holidays, and the chain’s more than 800 pubs will remain open today.
However, some branches may be operating with shortened or changed hours, so it's best to check with your local pub by ringing them up or by checking online.
Credit: Getty Welcome to the Sun's Bank Holiday live blog
Thanks for joining us. We're here to keep you up to speed with all you need to know about opening times across a wide range of shops – from supermarkets to high street fashion retailers (and even gyms).
While most supermarkets have said they will be operating with regular hours on Monday it’s best to check whether your local store is open online, before heading out, as some may close early.
You can also follow us here for the latest updates on opening times and the best Bank Holiday deals.
Credit: PA:Press Association
