Easter is fast approaching, which means a four-day weekend is just on the horizon.

But the Bank Holidays mean there will be some disruption to our favourite supermarkets' opening hours.

Most chains are operating on bank holiday hours for much of the weekend but there are some changes you need to be aware of before doing your shopping.

Chains won't be able to open on Easter Sunday, meaning our hard-working supermarket staff should all get a well-deserved day off too.

Here are the opening hours for the major supermarkets in Colchester this Easter:

Aldi

Aldi has multiple stores in the region, including in Southend, Westcliff, Benfleet, Basildon and Wickford.

The firm has announced its opening hours for stores across the UK this weekend.

  • Good Friday - 8am-10pm
  • Saturday - 8am-10pm
  • Easter Sunday - CLOSED
  • Easter Monday - 8am-8pm

Lidl

There are numerous Lidl stores in south Essex, including in Southend, Shoebury, Basildon and Canvey.

The retailer again plans to close completely on Easter Sunday.

  • Good Friday - usual opening hours
  • Saturday - usual opening hours
  • Easter Sunday - CLOSED
  • Easter Monday - 8am to 8pm

Tesco

The retailer will, like other supermarkets, be shutting on Sunday.

It has superstores in Basildon, Southend and Laindon, and several smaller Extra stores.

  • Good Friday - 8am – 8pm
  • Saturday - 6am – 10pm
  • Easter Sunday - CLOSED
  • Easter Monday - 8am - 6pm

Asda

Asda's opening hours vary depending on stores, and customers are urged to check their individual shop before visiting.

These are the opening hours for the store in Shoebury:

  • Good Friday – 7am to 12am
  • Saturday - 7am to 10pm
  • Easter Sunday - CLOSED
  • Easter Monday – 7.30am to 8pm

For the store at the Eastgate in Basildon, the times are:

  • Good Friday – 7am to 10pm
  • Saturday – 7am to 8pm
  • Sunday – CLOSED
  • Easter Monday – 7am to 8pm

Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's has main stores in Benfleet, Basildon and Southend.

Opening hours may vary depending on the size of the store, but for the larger ones they are:

  • Good Friday - 8am to 8pm
  • Saturday - normal hours
  • Easter Sunday - CLOSED
  • Easter Monday - 8am - 8pm

Morrisons

Morrisons has stores in Benfleet, Canvey and Southend.

Some of its opening hours will vary, but for the store in Southend, they are:

  • Good Friday – 7am to 9pm
  • Saturday – 7am to 9pm
  • Easter Sunday – CLOSED
  • Easter Monday – 7am to 7pm

Waitrose

Waitrose has stores in Southend, Leigh and Billericay. 

It's Easter opening hours are:

  • Good Friday - 8am tp 8pm
  • Saturday - 8am to 10pm
  • Easter Sunday - closed
  • Easter Monday - 9am tp 6pm