Don’t Miss the Spectacular Lord Mayor’s Show on 11th November: A Historic Tradition of Pomp and Pageantry in London

London, a city rich in history and tradition, is home to the world’s oldest, longest, and most cherished civic procession – the Lord Mayor’s Show. This annual event is a vibrant celebration of the new Lord Mayor taking office, and it’s a grand spectacle you won’t want to miss. The origins of the Lord Mayor’s Show date back to 1215 when King John granted the City of London the right to elect its mayor, with one crucial condition – the new mayor must annually travel from the City to Westminster to pledge loyalty to the Crown. Over 800 years later, this tradition endures.

More history of THE LORD MAYOR’S SHOW

Pomp and Circumstance
This year, the Lord Mayor’s Show falls on Armistice Day, with a poignant two-minute silence at 11 am. At 11:03 am, the parade departs from Mansion House, the Lord Mayor’s official residence. The procession covers a three-mile route through the heart of the City, including iconic landmarks such as Cheapside and St. Paul’s Cathedral, ultimately arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice by 12:32 pm. At the Royal Courts, the new Lord Mayor swears an oath of allegiance. They rejoin the parade at Temple Place around 1:10 pm before heading back to Mansion House. For a quieter viewing experience, consider watching the return journey between 1:15 pm and 2:30 pm along the Embankment area.

Post-Parade Perks
After the procession, you can join free guided walks led by City of London guides outside Bank between 3 pm and 4 pm. St. Paul’s Cathedral offers free entry to the cathedral floor until 3:30 pm, and for just £10, you can ascend to the Dome Galleries, though expect it to be bustling with visitors.
St. Paul’s Cathedral official website

A Diverse Spectacle
The Lord Mayor’s Parade for 2023 promises a rich and diverse lineup, featuring 7,000 participants, 250 horses, and over 50 decorated floats. The event typically includes military bands, Taiko drummers, mounted knights, and even unique elements like a 1955 Austin Champ and a colossal inflatable pig. Charities, schools, community groups, musicians, financial institutions, military bands, and Livery companies all play a part. Keep an eye out for the Ukraine-themed float, showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Also, interesting note that the showstopper of the parade is undoubtedly the golden State Coach, which has been a part of every Lord Mayor’s Show since 1757. It’s the world’s oldest ceremonial vehicle still in regular use.

Where to Watch
Watching this iconic spectacle won’t cost you a penny. You can catch it from anywhere along the route, and approximately 250,000 spectators usually turn up to witness the grandeur. From 11 am to 12 pm, you can enjoy the show between Bank and St. Paul’s. For a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, head to the stretch between Temple and Blackfriars between 1:15 pm and 2:30 pm.
Information you might need links below

• Official website: Lord Mayor’s Show Official Website
• Parade Route Map: Lord Mayor’s Show Route Map
• Accessible Route: Lord Mayor’s Show Accessible Route
• Reminder: If you plan to be in the City of London between Bank and Fleet Street on that day, please be aware that there may be road closures or disruptions to the subway (Tube) services. Stay updated with Transport for London (TFL) at TFL Official Website.