What is open for the coronation? How pubs, shops, schools and trains are affected by the bank holiday weekend
Coronation fever is almost at its peak, as the county prepares for the big event on Saturday.
The official coronation ceremony will see the King and Queen Camilla parade through central London, before the official crowning at Westminster Abbey.
Here’s how it will affect services around the country.
When is the 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
According to Buckingham Palace, the coronation itself – which is expected to be scaled back from previous versions – will be “a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry”.
The service will “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry”.
i revealed that Commons authorities have been told that about 3,000 dignitaries will be invited to the coronation service – a fraction of the 8,000 guests who came to the Queen’s coronation more than 70 years ago.
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 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.”
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.
How are schools effected?
Monday 8 May was confirmed as a bank holiday in November. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The Coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country. 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.”
Because of this schools and education settings around the country are due to close on this day, but always be sure to check with our local council or the school directly for their plans.
How are trains affected?
Trains are running as usual for the Coronation, and there is no industrial action or engineering works planned on the day. There will be some disruption on Sunday 7 May, however, as works are planned at Victoria Station in London.
National Rail writes: “If you are travelling at any point during the Coronation Weekend, please check travel information and plan your journey in advance.
“The rail industry is working hard to keep journeys running smoothly, including running additional services where possible, but trains are expected to be busy and queueing systems may be in place in some areas.
“During your journey, please check live travel updates via National Rail, TfL, and train operators.”
