The Lord Mayor’s Show is the oldest, longest and least-rehearsed civic parade in the world. For more than 800 years, visitors flock to the City of London to watch the newly elected Lord Mayor wave to the crowds from his golden chariot. But the colourful procession has evolved over the years and is now as likely to feature rainbow banners as wandering Minstrels.
How old is the Lord Mayor’s Show?
The show dates to the early 13th century when King John granted the City of London its own Mayor. (The City of London is a distinct area of one square mile located to the east of London). However, King John stipulated that each newly elected Mayor must travel upriver to Westminster to swear loyalty to the current monarch. And from these humble beginnings, the procession was born with its accompanying “floats”.
What is the Lord Mayor’s role?
The Lord Mayor’s role involves ceremonial duties and representing the City as an international ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector. However, the Lord Mayor does not have the same governing powers as the Mayor for London. There’s also no salary but you do get to live for a year in the opulent Mansion House. As an added bonus, you also get to choose two local charities to champion during your year in office.
What is the route for the Lord Mayor’s Show?
The show starts outside the Lord Mayor’s home at Mansion House at 11.00am. Next, it heads to the Royal Courts of Justice via St Pauls, Cheapside and Fleet Street before returning via Embankment and Victoria Street. There’s a hiatus at the Royal Courts of Justice where the new Lord Mayor signs an oath of allegiance before re-joining the procession at Temple Place. From here, the procession snakes along the river before ending back at Mansion House at around 3.00pm.
Where is the best place to watch the parade?
If you want to join the throng, you can stand anywhere along the three-mile route and attendance is free. Bank and St Paul’s are both popular areas and offer the liveliest vibes. But if crowds are not your thing, head to Victoria Embankment which is quieter and more suitable for the less mobile. If you’re a blue badge holder, you can watch the parade at a designated spot at the junction of Ludgate Street and the Old Bailey.
Advice for spectators
Watch out for extensive all-day road closures throughout the City. Instead, travel by tube to either Bank or St Paul’s. Similarly, it usually always rains at the Lord Mayor’s Show so bring a brolly, waterproofs and comfortable walking shoes. Oh and portaloo toilets are provided at strategic points along the route!
Behind the scenes at the Lord Mayor’s Show
The Lord Mayor’s show is one of the least rehearsed, large-scale, ceremonial events in the world. But a low-key rehearsal with just the Lord Mayor and the state coach does take place a few days before the event. Typically, this normally happens in the wee, small hours when the roads are quieter. You can watch a video of the rehearsal here. This run through allows the new Lord Mayor to practice getting in and out of the state coach in a dignified manner. And they’ll also get to meet the six horses who will be leading them through the parade.
Who participates in the Lord Mayor’s Show?
The Lord Mayor’s Show features a huge array of businesses, community groups and institutions who build their own floats and dress up for the occasion. In total, there are 7000 participants, 200 horses and 150 floats all descending on the Square Mile. It’s a parade where the wagging tails of rescue dogs brush up against the smart uniforms of British Airways flight attendants. A dizzying array of manned tanks and marching bands provide a strong military presence alongside armour-plated men parading on horseback. Centenaries are also often celebrated including the 100 year anniversary of women gaining the vote below.
Who are Gog and Magog?
No Lord Mayor’s Show would be complete without Gog and Magog – the wicker guardians of the City. This dynamic duo have been a part of the parade since the reign of Henry V. Legend has it they’re descended from mythical pagan giants from the medieval legends of the early British Kings. The Giants are now in their third iteration since their creation in the 17th century. Previous giants met their grisly end by being bombed during the Blitz and chewed on by greedy rodents. This modern-day pair strike a pose at a few ceremonial occasions and spend the rest of their time inside a giant glass box in the Guildhall. Thankfully protected from rodents!
Participating in the Lord Mayor’s Show
Participation is strictly by invitation only and is based on the interests of the anticipated new Lord Mayor. However, in a bid to move with the times, the organisers this year are offering 100 places to City-based Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). If you get the chance, taking part in the parade is an opportunity not to be missed. Feeling like a Rock legend, you’re cheered on by half a million onlookers and watched by a further million TV viewers. If you want to experience fame – this is your moment! It’s a day of stimulation on steroids – a whirlwind of lights, noise, commotion and fun. You won’t even notice your aching muscles as you pound the world’s hardest pavements all day.
Celebrated for more than 800 years, the Lord Mayor’s Show is one of those unique British institutions that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Bringing all sectors of our diverse communities together, it’s a joyous moment that has passed the test of time and will no doubt continue for many more centuries to come.