The coronation of King Charles III is almost here, and the country is preparing for a long weekend to remember.
The King’s coronation will feature the largest military ceremonial parade in 70 years, with more than 6,000 men and women from British and Commonwealth armed forces set to lead Charles and Camilla to and from Westminster Abbey.
Rishi Sunak said he is “incredibly proud of our brilliant military personnel”, adding: “As they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Commonwealth friends and allies, I know the hard work of thousands of our servicemen and women during the past weeks and months will culminate in an incredible display that will amaze crowds at home and across the world.”
The event will be followed by a star-studded concert on Sunday and a day of volunteering on the bank holiday Monday.
May is going to be a bumper month for bank holidays, with an extra day off to celebrate the historic event, which takes place in just a few weeks.
But how does this affect supermarkets opening times and which ones will be open?
When is the King’s coronation?
The King and Queen will be crowned in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May.
Here is the full timetable of events:
- 6am – viewing areas open along the procession route
- 7.15-8.30am – guests to Westminster Abbey begin to arrive at security checkpoints in Victoria Tower Gardens
- 9am – congregation to be seated inside the Abbey
- 9.30-10.45am – heads of state, overseas government representatives, Government ministers, First Ministers, former PMs, foreign royals and members of the Royal Family arrive
- 9.45am – the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry begin to gather ready for the procession from Buckingham Palace
- 10.20am – the King and Queen’s procession sets off from the Palace
- 10.53am – the King and Queen arrive at Westminster Abbey
- 11am – Charles and Camilla enter the Abbey through the Great West Door and the service begins
- 12pm – the King is crowned. The Archbishop of Canterbury places the St Edward’s Crown on Charles’s head. The Queen is expected to be crowned subsequently. Trumpets will sound and gun salutes will be fired across the UK.
- 1pm – the service ends and the newly crowned King and Queen begin their coronation procession back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach
- 1.33pm – Charles and Camilla are expected to enter Buckingham Palace through the Centre Arch
- 1.45pm – the King and Queen receive a royal salute from the military in the Palace gardens
- Around 2.15pm – the King, Queen and members of the Royal Family appear on the Palace balcony to watch the flypast
What are the supermarket opening times?
It is always a good idea to check your local store’s opening hours directly.
Aldi
Coronation day: Normal hours
Sunday 7 May: Normal Sunday hours
Monday 8 May: Closing at 8pm in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 10pm in Scotland.
Find your local branch here.
Asda
Coronation day: Normal hours
Sunday 7 May: Normal Sunday hours
Monday 8 May: 7am-8pm
Find your local branch here.
Co-op
Coronation day: Normal hours
Sunday 7 May: Normal Sunday hours
Monday 8 May: Not confirmed
Find your local branch here.
Lidl
Coronation day: Normal hours
Sunday 7 May: Normal Sunday hours
Monday 8 May: Normal hours
Find your local branch here.
Morrisons
Coronation day: Normal hours
Sunday 7 May: Normal Sunday hours
Monday 8 May: 7am-10pm
Find your local branch here.
Sainsbury’s
Coronation day: Normal hours
Sunday 7 May: Normal Sunday hours
Monday 8 May: 7am-10pm
Find your local branch here.
Tesco
Coronation day: Normal hours
Sunday 7 May: Normal Sunday hours
Monday 8 May: 8am-8pm
Find your local branch here.
What are Post Office opening times?
On the day of the coronation, Saturday 6 May, some areas will see a disrupted service.
For security reasons, access in the EC4V, SE1 7, SE1 8, SW1, W1J, W1K, WC2N and WC2R postcode areas is restricted on the following days:
- from 4 pm on Tuesday, 2 May until 9 am Wednesday, 3 May for coronation preparations.
- from 7 pm on Friday, 5 May until after the clear up on Saturday, 6 May.
The Royal Mail customer service point at 9 Howick place, SW1P 1AA will also be closed on Saturday, 6 May.
The Royal Mail is closed for business on Monday 8 May. You won’t be able to use your local Post Office, and there will be no deliveries.
What time are pubs open for the coronation?
The Government announced in March that pubs in England and Wales would be allowed to stay open until 1am from Friday 5 May to Sunday 7 May.
This marks an extension of two hours a night over the bank holiday weekend, with the Home Secretary saying it will allow people to enjoy “an extra pint or two”.
Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 allowed Suella Braverman to give permission for premises to stay open longer to mark occasions of exceptional significance.
She said: “His Majesty The King’s coronation will be a momentous occasion deserving of special celebration. That is why I am extending the licensing hours over this historic coronation weekend.
“Up and down the country, people can enjoy an extra pint or two in the evening while families and friends can come together to wish His Majesty The King a long and happy reign.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, said at the time: “This is a timely boost for the pub industry.
“In the midst of an acutely challenging period, I am sure our pubs will look to mark this joyous occasion by hosting special events and parties as part of national celebrations.
“The announcement of extended opening hours will help us all to mark this important event.”
How many bank holidays are there in May 2023?
Thanks to the additional bank holiday for the King’s coronation, there are three bank holidays this May, rather than the traditional two.
The Government confirmed in November that the whole of the UK would get a day off to celebrate the crowning of Charles III on Monday 8 May, two days after the ceremony in Westminster Abbey.
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In a statement, Rishi Sunak said the coronation of a new monarch was “a unique moment” for the country. He added: “In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.
“I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Charles III by taking part in local and national events across the country in his honour.”
There is also a bank holiday on Monday 1 May and an additional nationwide day off on Monday 29 May for the spring bank holiday.
This generally falls on the final Monday of May across the UK – however, last year it was moved to later in the week to sit alongside the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday and create a four-day weekend.
When are the other UK bank holidays in 2023?
Bank holiday dates vary slightly across the UK: England and Wales always have the same bank holidays, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have some of their own dates.
For example, Scotland’s summer bank holiday falls at the start of August, rather than the end of the month.
England and Wales bank holidays2023
- Monday 1 May – early May bank holiday
- Monday 8 May – bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III
- Monday 29 May – spring bank holiday
- Monday 28 August – summer bank holiday
- Monday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Tuesday 26 December – Boxing Day
Scotland bank holidays 2023
- Monday 1 May – early May bank holiday
- Monday 8 May – bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III
- Monday 29 May – spring bank holiday
- Monday 7 August – summer bank holiday
- Thursday 30 November – St Andrew’s Day
- Monday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Tuesday 26 December – Boxing Day
Northern Ireland bank holidays 2023
- Monday 1 May – early May bank holiday
- Monday 8 May – bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III
- Monday 29 May – spring bank holiday
- Wednesday 12 July – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day)
- Monday 28 August – summer bank holiday
- Monday 25 December – Christmas Day
- Tuesday 26 December – Boxing Day
For the first time since 2019, both Christmas Day and Boxing Day will be marked with bank holidays on the correct days, after falling on the weekend for three years in a r
FAQs
Are Tesco open on Coronation Day? ›
Tesco: Open 8am-8pm – you can your local branch here.
Is Lidl open on Coronation Day? ›If you're heading to Lidl today, it's important to check opening times for your local branch on the store finder before you go, as store opening times may vary. Chessington Lidl, for example, is open, but on shorter, 'bank holiday' hours – 10am-5pm (usually 8am-8pm).
Are Asda open on Coronation Day? ›On the bank holiday, the majority of Asda stores will be opening from 7am to 8pm.
What time does Tesco close on bank holiday? ›London bank holiday shop opening times
Across the UK most Tesco superstores will be open from 8am to 6pm, but some are staying open until 8pm so its best to check your local store via the website.
Will shops be open on coronation day? In theory, shops which are usually open on Saturdays will remain open on the day of King Charles III's coronation. This is because unlike on the day of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral last year, shops are not obligated to close on the day of the ceremony.
Is Tesco open over jubilee holiday? ›Tesco opening hours
Tesco stores will generally be open following normal hours over the Jubilee weekend.
No major shops or businesses have announced they will be closed on coronation day. Therefore, shops which are usually open on Saturdays will remain open, because - unlike on the day of the late Queen's funeral - shops are not obligated to close on the day of the ceremony.
Will Morrisons be open on Coronation Day? ›Is Morrisons open on coronation day? Morrisons opening times will remain as normal over the weekend of King Charles' coronation.
Are banks open on Coronation Day? ›It will be closed on the Bank Holidays. Coronation weekend - closed on 6 and 7 May, open Bank Holiday Monday.
Are trains running on Coronation Day? ›The railway is open for passengers during the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. The vast majority of Britain's railway will be open as usual during the Coronation (Saturday 6 May).
Are M&S open on Coronation Day? ›
Check the opening hours of your nearest store on the M&S website before travelling to ensure it is open. Marks & Spencer will also be open as usual on Sunday, 8 May. However, like other shops in England, they will operate reduced hours on Sundays due to Sunday trading hours.
What time does the coronation start? ›The King's Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey will take place before the Coronation service, which starts at 11am.
Are supermarkets opening on Coronation Day? ›Most supermarkets will be open but the usual opening hours may be different for the bank holiday Monday on May 8.
What time does Tesco open UK bank holiday? ›Does Tesco open on bank holidays? On the Bank Holiday, Monday 8 May, the majority of larger Tesco stores will open from 8am to 6pm - but some may be open until 8pm.
Will Sainsbury's be open on coronation day? ›Is Sainsbury's open on coronation day? On the day of Charles' coronation, Sainsbury's larger stores will be open at either 6am or 7am and will shut at either 10pm or 11pm.
Are shops closed during the coronation? ›There is no obligation for shops to be shut during the ceremony on Saturday - and none have announced they are going to close. While major chains will be open, small businesses may decide to give staff the day off to watch the Coronation.
Are things open on the coronation? ›Fortunately, there are no obligations for shops and supermarkets to be closed throughout the King's Coronation itself. This means you'll be able to do any last minute shopping to have everything you need to celebrate the occasion on Saturday.
What is closed for the coronation? ›Most will be shut on Sunday as usual, with Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander generally closed - but Metro Bank stores will be open.
Is Aldi open over the jubilee? ›Aldi has revealed that its stores will be open as usual over the Jubilee Bank Holiday.
Is Asda open on Jubilee bank holiday? ›Based on previous opening hours during bank holidays, the supermarket giant is likely to be open from 8am instead of 7am and close at 8pm compared with 10pm or midnight like usual. Exact times will be available from the brand's store locator here before the Jubilee.
Are restaurants open during Jubilee bank holiday? ›
Pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars will be able to close at 1am each day of the bank holiday (Thursday, June 2 to Saturday, June 4). Usually, on bank holidays, they shut at 11pm.
How busy will London be during the coronation? ›It'll be busy, but the city is built for it
Although plenty of people are expected to be in and around London over the Coronation weekend, the city is built for busyness, so it shouldn't put you off visiting London during the Coronation.
7.30am Live TV coverage will get going and interviews will air. 9.30am VIP coronation guests are expected to arrive, including members of the royal family, heads of state and former prime ministers.
Can anyone go to the coronation? ›Can I attend the coronation? Sadly, us regular folk can't actually go inside the abbey for the coronation. You have to be a notable person with an official invitation. However, there will be a public 1.3 mile-procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey to mark the occasion.
Is Morrisons closed on the Kings coronation? ›Morrisons across the UK will be open from 7am to 10pm, you can check your store via the website.
Are buses running on Coronation Day? ›Buses in London will be running as normal for the most part, but some routes will be affected by road closures in the centre. TfL says: “There will be some changes to bus service routes and times, especially in central London, as there will be road closures for the event.”
Is Royal coronation a bank holiday? ›The UK government has announced that Monday 8 May 2023 will be an official, extra bank holiday to mark King Charles III's coronation – despite the fact that the day of the coronation falls on a weekend, on Saturday 6 May 2023.
Are shops open on the coronation? ›Will shops close on the day of the coronation? No shops or supermarkets have announced any intentions to close today – with all the major supermarket chains operating normal opening hours.
Is the Monday after the coronation a bank holiday? ›The bank holiday will fall on Monday, May 8, following the Coronation ceremony on Saturday.
Who pays for the coronation? ›King Charles' coronation is paid for by the taxpayer, due to it being a state event. If the estimated cost of £100 million is to be believed, then this would cost £1.50 per taxpayer.
Will trains be running on Coronation Bank Holiday? ›
Yes! Most trains should be running as normal over the Coronation bank holiday weekend between Saturday 6th May and Monday 8th May 2023. However, it's important to check your route before you travel in case there are any engineering works taking place.
Does The Queen still have a train? ›The Queen's private carriage includes a "bathroom complete with a full-sized bathtub". Carriages are also available for staff, including sleeping quarters. Two locomotives are designated for use on the train, and a third is available.
Do trains run on Jubilee day? ›The vast majority of Britain's rail network will be open as usual during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend (2-5 June), with no closures into any of the major London stations meaning passengers can rely on the railway to join the Queen's landmark celebrations.
Will shops be open on Coronation Day? ›No major shops or businesses have announced they will be closed on coronation day.
What time does Tesco close jubilee weekend? ›The majority of large stores will open at normal time but close at 8pm and most of the large London stores will open at their normal time, but close at 10pm.
How many holidays does Tesco have? ›We offer excellent benefits that help make Tesco a great place to work. These include but aren't limited to: Holiday starting at 20 days plus a personal day rising to 22 days after 12 months (plus Bank holidays)
When did Tesco close? ›Tesco said the website, which will cease trading on 9 July, had struggled with the high cost of fulfilling orders and online marketing.
Are supermarkets closed for Jubilee bank holiday? ›Supermarkets will be open over the four-day weekend, including both bank holidays, but many larger stores will operate under slightly reduced hours. There are bank holidays on Thursday June 2 and Friday June 3 in 2022.
When did Tesco leave the US? ›In the end, Tesco pulled out of America in 2013 at a cost of $2 billion. Whether it was the fact they targeted niche shoppers instead of the big American supermarkets, their store size was too small, or the numerous check-outs were too out of place across the pond, unfortunately, the experiment failed.
What are the busiest days at Tesco? ›The busiest day: Monday is the busiest weekday to visit Tesco, particularly at or around 5pm. Saturday is the worst day, with lots of people visiting to do their shopping. The peak time at Tesco is usually between 1pm and 3pm on the weekend.
Does Tesco pay overtime? ›
3 answers. No extra pay for overtime or Saturday work.
Why is there no Tesco in America? ›At its peak, the company operated 208 stores in the market; however, due to its small store formats, skewed customer research, poor store locations, and food packaging concerns, the company was forced to exit the market in 2013 when it sold its remaining stores.
Why did Tesco pull out of America? ›The company's stated aim was to build a coast-to-coast business of more than 1,000 stores, and it constructed a costly supply infrastructure to match. Six years later at a cost of over $2 bn — in April 2013, Tesco confirmed it would exit the US Market.
What brand did Tesco stop selling? ›Supermarket giant Tesco will no longer be stocking Heinz products in a dispute over pricing. Heinz has stopped supplying Tesco with some of its products in a row over price increases.