What is the Lord Mayor’s Show in London? The full history

The traditional show keeps the rich history of the event and features impressive handmade floats and music from bands including the Royal Air Force Band and the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps.

The Lord Mayor Show travels all across the City of London, going past the Mansion House, St Paul Cathedral and much more.

Although the show has been taking place for over 800 years, many don’t know the real history of the traditional event.

The noisiest, largest, and most colourful event in the City’s calendar is on Saturday 11 November. @lordmayors_show will see floats from charities, schools, community groups, and more join the three-mile-long parade. #LordMayorsShow

Plan your day – https://t.co/nrN0ppf7KH pic.twitter.com/aheJ6bszOA

— City of London (@cityoflondon) October 27, 2023

What is the Lord Mayor Show?

The Lord Mayor Show in London is described as the “ancient statement of London’s independence”.

It celebrates its mediaeval display of “pomp and pageantry” and its modern celebration of “strength and diversity”.

Dating back to the 13th century, King John allowed the City of London to choose a Mayor of its own in a bid to show loyalty to the crown.

Around 200 years later, the Mayor became the Lord Mayor and had an elected office making it the “grandest” position that a commoner could aspire to.

To celebrate the new Lord Mayor, a procession across the region would take place towards the end of October until the 1700s when it moved the second week of November and where it currently remains.

The current show is a direct descendant of the very first Lord Mayor Show and follows much of the same route.

The Lord Mayor Show has even been featured in films and stage productions, most known for its feature in the pantomime Dick Whittington as well as the Shakespeare plays The Diaries of Pepys and The Adventure of James Bond.

You can find out more information via the Lord Mayor Show’s website.