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.
You can follow our live blog, below, for all the latest updates ...
Where to grab your Bank Holiday essentials TODAY
While the big supermarkets slash their hours for the May Bank Holiday, your local convenience stores are coming to the rescue with normal opening times!
Co-op shops will be throwing open their doors from 7am until 10pm as usual - perfect for grabbing those last-minute beers when the sunshine makes a surprise appearance!
Meanwhile, Sainsbury's Local stores are staying open even later - serving desperate shoppers from 7am right through until 11pm on Bank Holiday Monday.
The high street giants' bigger supermarkets will be running reduced hours of 8am to 8pm - so don't get caught out if you're planning a big shop!Planning Your Bank Holiday Shopping
Credit: Getty Budget favourite Aldi has slashed its opening hours for Bank Holiday Monday - running from 8am to 8pm instead of their usual later closing times.
Saturday remains 8am-10pm while Sunday sticks to the regular 10am-4pm trading pattern.
Meanwhile, retail giant Tesco will keep its doors OPEN at normal times throughout the entire Bank Holiday weekend - perfect if you're not sure about other supermarkets' schedules!
Don't get caught short when you're desperate for those last-minute burgers and buns.Bank holiday bargain alert! Supermarket opening hours REVEALED
Attention shoppers! The early May bank holiday weekend is here and we've got all the essential info you need to plan your supermarket dash!
Most major supermarkets are running reduced hours this Bank Holiday Monday, so don't get caught out when you're desperate for those barbecue essentials or emergency toilet roll!
We're tracking opening times across all your favourite stores throughout the day - from Tesco and Asda to Sainsbury's and Morrisons - so you won't be left staring at locked doors when you need those last-minute bits!
Keep checking back for the latest updates to make sure your three-day weekend doesn't turn into a shopping nightmare!
Fancy a pint?
Credit: Getty Wetherspoons usually operates as normal on bank holiday Mondays, serving breakfast and the main menu.
That means Brits can grab a pint or a meal during Early May bank holiday.
However, some branches may operate different hours so ask a member of staff about your local pub's opening times.
Sweat it out
Credit: Getty Gyms in spring are buzzing with Brits trying to get their ideal summer body.
But with some gyms adjusting their hours this bank holiday, it is best to check in with your local branch.
Bannatyne's, Total Fitness and Virgin Active will have varying opening hours depending on the location of each gym.
The Gym Group and Pure Gym operate their facilities 24/7, meaning it welcomes customers all year round.
Grab a cuppa
Credit: Alamy If you'd like to pop in for coffee with friends this bank holiday, Costa Coffee will be open to welcome customers.
The majority of stores offer shortened holiday hours on bank holidays, which are typically 8 am to 5 pm.
However, make sure to confirm as each store may have slight differences.
It's also important to check if your local shop is still operating as the coffee chain has been hit with a string of closures as many of the big chains have been facing rising costs and falling footfall across the high street.
Travel warnings
With the weather blessing Brits with sunshine and warmth, some might be planning a trip over the long weekend.
But as some maintenance works could be performed during bank holidays, it is important to plan your journey ahead.
Trains to and from London Euston will be suspended on Sunday and Monday.
Southeastern trains will not stop at London Victoria station on Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, Southern will have a reduced service to and from London Victoria on May 3 and 4.
Credit: Getty Greggs on bank holiday
Credit: Alamy Most Greggs shops will be open over the bank holiday.
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 1750 Greggs' shops around the country with Hot To Go units will soon have Mac & Cheese available by the end of July.
Screwfix hours
Most of Screwfix's stores will open at 7am and will close at 8pm, as normal.
However, some branches including its Brentford, Ilford, and Ringwood stores have been known to vary their opening times on bank holidays.
Check in-store to see when your local shop closes.
DIY fans will also be happy to learn that the brand is set to open 40 more stores across the UK.
Pump it up
Credit: Getty If you're planning a road trip this long weekend, be sure to check petrol stations' opening hours.
Shell, and Esso often keep their petrol stations open over bank holidays.
Sainsbury's petrol stations will be operating from 7.30am to 8.30pm.
The majority of Morrisons stations will be open between the hours of 9am and 6pm.
Tesco are expected to open its petrol stations from 8am until 6pm on the Early May Bank Holiday.
Nearly all of petrol stations have a pay-at-the-pump service, which means that drivers will be able to fill up their cars.
B&Q opening times
B&Q will be open over the bank holiday, as Brits often use the extra day off to do some much needed DIY.
Local stores may adjust their opening hours, so it would be wise to ask for more details in store.
John Lewis on bank holidays
Luckily, all of John Lewis’ stores will be open as normal on Monday.
However, the opening times vary across the shops and it is best to check your local branch.
You can also bring your preloved clothes, accessories and various homeware items to be altered, cleaned or mended.
John Lewis started a partnership with the Timpson Group on April 9, expanding its repair and alteration services across all stores
Banks on Early May Bank holiday
Anyone planning to visit their bank or building society over the bank holiday weekend should double-check opening times.
All banks should be closed on Monday, May 5 and will resume operating as usual the next day.
According to the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, any financial dealings must be suspended during bank holidays.
However, Saturday is not a bank holiday, which means certain banks might still be open.
Ikea celebrates bank holiday with customers
Ikea normally opens on bank holiday but does operate under reduced hours.
Often, Ikea stores open at 10am and close at 7pm on national holidays.
To check the opening hours of your local Ikea store, use their website's store locator.
To celebrate their new store opening and May bank holiday, the Swedish retailer is selling their iconic meatballs for just £1.
From the May 1-5, IKEA Family Members can enjoy several discounted meatball/ plantball Meals from 11am to close
Credit: PA Prime time for Primark
Primark's business hours may be affected by the Early May Bank Holiday in 2025 — but fear not, most of you will still be able to get your shopping done.
On May 5, many Primark stores in England and Wales will be open between 8am and 8pm, while the majority of stores in Scotland will be open from 8am to 10pm.
There are no national opening times for Primark, so shoppers should find out their local store's timetable, which can be done in store.
Credit: EPA
Don’t expect any post on Monday
Royal Mail says that it delivers on most days of the year, including Saturdays.
But it doesn’t deliver or collect on Bank Holidays, which includes Monday.
As for other companies such as Amazon, you can expect parcels to arrive as usual if they match the delivery date shown online.
Iceland’s trading hours
Credit: Getty Iceland normally operates during bank holidays with the exception of Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.
Iceland’s store locator will provide you with information on opening and closing times.
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.
M&S opening hours
M&S often varies its hours for bank holidays, reducing its opening times to give its workers some well-earned time off.
Smaller stores appear to be working as normal on Monday while larger stores operate on shorter hours.
Check the M&S store locator to find the exact opening times of your nearest branch.
However, shoppers should be aware that some of their favourite items might be unavailable following shortages on shelves after a cyber attack.
The retailer’s IT systems have been crippled for more than a week which affected product availability.
Aldi reveals bank holiday hours
Aldi will remain open as usual over the bank holiday weekend, from 8am to 10pm.
However, the German retailer will close their doors two hours early on May 5.
Credit: Getty 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.
Shoppers should be aware that some in-store services, including fish and butcher counters, might be no longer available at your local Morrisons.
It comes as the supermarket begins to shut cafes, counters and shops across the UK due to rising costs.
The retailer said 18 Market Kitchens, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters and four pharmacies will close over the coming months.
Credit: Getty
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.
Credit: Alamy Co-Op opening hours
Co-op’s wide network of stores will remain open over the May 5 bank holiday.
However, some stores may vary their hours so it is best to ask a member of staff for more details.
Credit: Getty Lidl Early May bank holiday hours
Normally, Lidl remains open over the May bank holiday so shoppers can buy their favourite groceries for their day off.
Lidl opens at 8am and shuts at 10pm, but shoppers are advised to check the brand’s app ahead of May 5.
Credit: Getty Asda opening hours
Credit: Alamy 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.