The noisiest, largest, and most colourful event in the City of London’s calendar rolls into town on Saturday 11 November, bringing together over 7,000 people, 250 horses, and over 50 decorated floats for a major spectacle that dates back to the 13th century – The Lord Mayor’s Show. 

Joining the parade and riding in the golden State Coach, which has been used in every Lord Mayor’s Show since 1757, will be the Seattle-born economist, accountant, and scientist, Michael Mainelli, who has been elected as the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London.

The procession will make its way from The Mansion House, the Lord Mayor’s official residence, via Cheapside and St Paul’s Cathedral to the Royal Courts of Justice, and will be cheered on by an estimated 250,000 people lining the City’s streets and millions around the world watching the live TV coverage and online streaming. 

Joining the Lord Mayor in the three-mile-long parade will be floats representing City charities, schools, community groups, musicians, performers, financial institutions, military bands, and Livery companies. A Ukraine-themed float, created by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will send a clear message that London stands proudly with Ukraine and its people.

The Lord Mayor’s Show is described as ‘the oldest, longest, least rehearsed and best loved civic procession in the world’. It is an ancient statement of London’s independence, a mediaeval display of pomp and pageantry and a modern celebration of the City’s strength and diversity.

The show dates back to the early 13th century, when a desperate King John granted that the City of London could appoint its own Mayor. He insisted that each newly elected Mayor must come upriver to distant Westminster and swear loyalty to the Crown. The Mayors, and later the Lord Mayors of London, have been making that journey for over 800 years. Around them grew up the noisy, colourful, joyous procession that over the centuries became known as the Lord Mayor’s Show, which takes place in November each year.

Michael Mainelli is succeeding Nicholas Lyons as the head of the governing body of the Square Mile, the City of London Corporation, and will serve for one year, living and working at The Mansion House.

During his mayoralty, the Lord Mayor will act as an international spokesperson for the City, leading business delegations overseas to key international markets, on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry. 

Lord Mayor Elect Michael Mainelli said: “In terms of size, noise, and colour, there is nothing quite like The Lord Mayor’s Show and it will be a joy to be part of it, waving to the crowds on the streets and people watching at home, and soaking up the carnival atmosphere.

“It is an unashamedly enjoyable day out for everyone and a tremendous celebration of our great City’s community and diversity.

“My mayoral theme, ‘Connect to Prosper’, will put the spotlight on the City's expertise in areas including finance, law, art, and engineering, and bring together leading experts from diverse backgrounds to work on critical global challenges, such as climate change and artificial intelligence.” 

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: “The Lord Mayor’s Show is one of the highlights of the calendar in the City of London and a joy to experience on a visit to the capital. The carnival atmosphere belies the long and important history of the show and celebrates the ceremonial role of the Lord Mayor of London.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy the Lord Mayor’s Show on a tailor-made tour of London or the United Kingdom, please do contact our friendly team today.