As the UK prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a series of events are set to unfold starting tomorrow, May 5, 2025, coinciding with the May Day bank holiday. This four-day celebration will include a significant VE Day procession in London, where thousands are expected to gather to honor the historic occasion.
The festivities will kick off with a performance featuring actor Timothy Spall delivering a speech reminiscent of Winston Churchill, alongside a military flypast that will include the iconic Red Arrows. A military procession comprising 1,300 armed forces members will also take center stage. Key figures, including the King, the Queen, the Prime Minister, and Second World War veterans, will observe the events from a platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial, located in front of Buckingham Palace.
Throughout the UK, community celebrations, street parties, and picnics are planned, with cenotaphs adorned with the Union Flag. In a nod to the occasion, Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that pubs and bars will extend their hours until 1am on Thursday, May 8, 2025, allowing revelers to continue the celebrations late into the night.
As the holiday approaches, many people are taking advantage of the long weekend, which also means that supermarkets across the country will be operating under altered hours. While many will enjoy a break, supermarket staff will still be on duty, ensuring that shoppers have access to essential supplies.
Major supermarket chains have outlined their opening hours for the bank holiday Monday. Most Tesco stores in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will operate from 8am until 6pm, while those in Scotland will remain open until 8pm. Tesco Express locations, typically situated at petrol stations, will adhere to their usual hours, operating from 7am until 10pm.
Aldi will adjust its hours slightly, closing at 8pm on May 5, 2025, instead of the usual 10pm. In Scotland, however, many Aldi stores will maintain their regular hours, remaining open until 10pm. Lidl stores will also operate on reduced hours, opening from 8am until 8pm in England and Wales, with some locations inside the M25 opening from 7am until 11pm.
Morrisons stores will open from 7am, with larger locations closing at 8pm. Customers are encouraged to check local store hours, as some may vary. Asda will keep its standard opening hours, with most superstores operating from 8am to 10pm, while smaller Asda Express stores will continue to trade 24 hours a day.
Sainsbury's will follow suit, with larger stores opening from 8am until 8pm and Sainsbury's Local stores remaining open until 11pm. The situation is similar for Waitrose, where opening hours may differ, but many stores will be available from 8am until 8pm.
Co-op stores are likely to maintain their regular hours, with many opening from 7am and closing at 10pm. However, some locations may have altered hours, so checking in advance is advised.
For those planning to stock up on supplies, it’s essential to be aware of the changes in supermarket hours. With the bank holiday also coinciding with the VE Day celebrations, many shoppers will be looking to prepare for gatherings and festivities.
As the nation gears up for a weekend of remembrance and celebration, communities across the UK will come together to honor the sacrifices made during the Second World War. The combination of the VE Day procession and the May Day bank holiday creates a unique opportunity for reflection and gratitude.
In addition to the commemorative events, the adjustments in supermarket hours highlight the ongoing balance between honoring history and meeting the needs of modern consumers. As the long weekend approaches, shoppers are encouraged to plan ahead, ensuring they can participate in both the celebrations and the observances of this significant historical milestone.
