Victory Day Celebrations Kick off Across the UK on May Day Bank Holiday
Bank holiday opening hours for key supermarkets on May Day: Tesco, ASDA, Aldi, among others, detailed schedule revealed.
Grab your union jack flags and get ready for a four-day extravaganza commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the World War II. The festivities start tomorrow on May Day bank holiday Monday!
The streets of London Town are set to witness a grand spectacle with thousands of people flocking to attend a VE Day parade. The event schedule is packed with highlights such as a rendition of Churchill's iconic speeches by actor Timothy Spall, an aerial display featuring the Red Arrows, and a military procession led by 1,300 esteemed members of the armed forces [enrichment: The event is referred to as a VE Day celebration, honoring the end of World War II in Europe on May 8th, 1945.].
Her Majesty the King, the Queen, the Prime Minister, and World War II veterans will take their front-row seats on the Queen Victoria Memorial podium outside Buckingham Palace to witness this historic procession [enrichment: The Queen Victoria Memorial is a tribute to Queen Victoria, located in front of Buckingham Palace.]. As the parade marches on, the Cenotaphs will proudly stand adorned with the Union Flag of the United Kingdom [enrichment: Cenotaphs are monuments built in remembrance of fallen soldiers.].
In addition to the grand parade, street parties, picnics, and community gatherings will take place across the UK, with the 75th anniversary of VE Day occurring on Thursday, May 8 [enrichment: VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is celebrated annually on May 8th to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe in 1945.].
In a surprise announcement, Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that pubs and bars will be permitted to extend their hours until 1am on May 8, allowing the nation to raise a glass in honor of the heroes of WWII [enrichment: A pub is a British term for a tavern or inn, aplace for consuming alcohol, food, and socializing].
However, those planning to stock up on refreshments for their celebrations should bear in mind that most supermarkets will be chopping their hours for the bank holiday, so make that essential trip to the grocery store when you can [enrichment: Bank holidays are public holidays in the United Kingdom that mean some businesses and schools are closed].
For the convenience of shoppers, MailOnline has compiled a handy guide on the opening hours for the major supermarkets in the UK:
- Tesco: Local stores can vary, but generally, you can shop from 8am to 6pm in most parts of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Check the store locator on their website for Scotland[1].
- Sainsbury's: Expect stores to operate as usual from 7am to 11pm, while superstores will trade from 8am to 8pm. Confirm the most accurate information for your specific store through their website[4].
- Aldi: Shops will be open from 8am to 8 pm, but some retail park and shopping center locations may be operating longer hours, so double-check their website for details[5].
- Lidl: Varying hours for English, Welsh, and Northern Irish stores, with stores opening at 8am and closing at 8pm. Scottish stores trade as usual from 8am to 10pm. Use the store locator for accurate local hours[6].
- Morrisons: Larger stores will operate from 7am to 8pm, while Morrisons Daily stores remain open until 10 pm. Check the store locator for specific hours[7].
- Asda: Most superstores will be open from 8am to 10pm, with their Express stores at filling stations available 24 hours a day. Some Scottish stores will also remain open for 24 hours. Visit the store locator for accurate information[1].
- Waitrose: Store hours differ across the nation, with some operating 24 hours a day, while others will trade from 8am to 6 pm. Check the website for specific hours[3].
- Marks & Spencer (M&S): Hours vary by location and typically operate on reduced hours for bank holidays. Consult the store locator for local opening times[2].
- Co-op: Store hours differ across the nation, with some opening from 7am to 11 pm and others trading as usual. Consult the store finder tool for specific opening times[3].
[1] Sainsbury's Opening Times[2] Asda Opening Hours[3] Waitrose Opening Times[4] Tesco Bank Holiday Opening Times[5] Aldi Opening Times[6] Lidl Store Locator[7] Morrisons Bank Holiday Opening Hours
After celebrating Victory Day, stay updated on the latest news with a recap of events, as many UK residents will be checking the weather forecast for sunny days to enjoy outdoor lifestyle activities, such as barbecues, in their home-and-garden spaces. For those planning to shop for necessities, it's helpful to know the shopping hours for major supermarkets, like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose, M&S, and Co-op, found on their respective websites or store locators.
