Lord Mayor’s Show London United Kingdom 2025

Background & History

The Lord Mayor’s Show, dating back to 1215, is the world’s oldest and longest civic procession, originating when King John granted the City of London the right to elect its own Mayor. The condition was that each newly elected Mayor travel to Westminster to swear loyalty to the Crown, a tradition that continues today. Over 800 years, the event has evolved into a vibrant celebration of London’s heritage, featuring a three-mile-long procession with over 7,000 participants, 200 horses, and 150 floats. The 2025 show marks the inauguration of the 696th Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King, and showcases the City’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Cultural Significance

The Lord Mayor’s Show is a cornerstone of London’s identity, celebrating the City’s ancient governance and its role as a global financial hub. It symbolizes continuity, community, and civic pride, bringing together livery companies, businesses, charities, and military units. The event’s pageantry, including the 250-year-old State Coach and pikemen, reflects Britain’s historical grandeur while embracing modern diversity with floats from community groups and global organizations.

Event Highlights

• Procession with over 7,000 participants, including military bands, livery companies, and colorful floats.
• The Golden State Coach, used since 1757, carries the Lord Mayor.
• Gog and Magog, giant wicker figures representing London’s legendary guardians.
• Free guided walks by City of London Guides post-procession (3:00 PM-4:00 PM).
• Evening fireworks display over the Thames, launched from a barge between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges at 5:00 PM.

Key Activities and Events

• Silent Ceremony (November 7, Guildhall, London, EC2V 7HH): The Lord Mayor’s inauguration, held the day before the show, is open to limited public viewing.
• Procession Start (November 8, 11:00 AM, Mansion House): Begins with floats, bands, and Gog and Magog, moving through Cheapside and St Paul’s.
• St Paul’s Blessing (November 8, ~12:08 PM, St Paul’s Cathedral): The Lord Mayor receives a blessing from the Dean.
• Oath of Allegiance (November 8, ~12:28 PM, Royal Courts of Justice): The Lord Mayor swears loyalty to the Crown.
• Return Procession (November 8, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM, Victoria Embankment): Reforms at Aldwych, returning to Mansion House via Queen Victoria Street.
• Free Guided Walks (November 8, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM, No1 Poultry): City Guides lead tours of London’s historic sites.
• Fireworks Display (November 8, 5:00 PM, Thames River): A spectacular finale viewable from the Southbank or Embankment.

Procession Route

The procession covers a 1.7-mile route, though the parade itself stretches three miles, taking over an hour to pass any single point. It starts at Mansion House, proceeds via Cheapside and St Paul’s to the Royal Courts of Justice, and returns via Victoria Embankment and Queen Victoria Street to Mansion House. Key viewing areas include:

• Bank to St Paul’s (11:00 AM-12:00 PM): Lively, crowded, ideal for the full experience.
• Ludgate Hill (accessible viewing area): Reserved for Blue Badge holders and wheelchair users.
• Victoria Embankment (1:15 PM-2:30 PM): Quieter, spacious, ideal for families and accessibility.

Organizing Committee

The Lord Mayor’s Show is organized by the City of London Corporation in collaboration with the Pageantmaster and livery companies. The 2025 event is overseen by the City’s Events Team, ensuring safety, logistics, and coordination with the City of London Police and emergency services.

Date

• Date: November 8, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (GMT), with fireworks at 5:00 PM

Duration

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (procession), plus evening fireworks

Venue

• City: London, United Kingdom
• Main Venues and Addresses:
  • Mansion House: Walbrook, London, EC4N 8BH
  • St Paul’s Cathedral: St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD
  • Royal Courts of Justice: Strand, London, WC2A 2LL
  • Victoria Embankment: London, SW1A 2HR (return route viewing area)
  • Guildhall (Silent Ceremony): Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HH
• Note: The procession spans multiple locations in the City of London. Viewing is possible along the route, with key spots at Bank, St Paul’s, Ludgate Hill, and Victoria Embankment.

Contact Information

• Official Website: lordmayorsshow.london
• Email: lms@cityoflondon.gov.uk
• Social Media:
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/thelordmayorsshow
  • YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGdBdVXJ54pIKmmgAX7PNOTLyfQl3Lz-_
  • Bitly: bit.ly/m/lmshow
• Press Contact: City of London Events Team, lms@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Ticket Information

• General Admission: Free, no tickets required for public viewing along the route.
• Official Souvenir Programme: $6.30 (sold by Scout and Guide volunteers on the day).
• Grandstand Seating: Prices TBD; typically available closer to the event via lordmayorsshow.london. In 2024, an interactive seat-chooser was introduced for booking.

Cultural Experience

The Lord Mayor’s Show blends historical pageantry with modern vibrancy, featuring military bands, pikemen, musketeers, and diverse floats. Spectators experience London’s rich history through the State Coach and Gog and Magog, alongside contemporary elements like community group displays. Casual attire is suitable, though some attendees wear festive or formal clothing to honor the occasion. The event is inclusive, celebrating London’s diverse communities.

Food & Drinks

• Street vendors near St Paul’s and Bank offer snacks like sandwiches, pasties, and hot drinks (~$3-$8).
• Nearby cafes and pubs in the City of London serve meals, beers, and wines (~$5-$15).
• Non-alcoholic options like coffee, tea, and juices are widely available (~$2-$5).
• Food stalls are limited along the route due to road closures; plan to visit nearby restaurants post-event.

Family & Accessibility

The event is family-friendly, with open viewing areas suitable for children. Accessible viewing is available at Ludgate Hill (D Pass required for Blue Badge holders). Wheelchair-accessible toilets are located at Blackfriars Bridge, Old Bailey, New Change, and Queen Victoria Street. Coach parking for elderly or disabled groups requires a Q Pass (apply via lordmayorsshow.london). Well-behaved dogs are allowed; guide dogs are permitted throughout. Contact lms@cityoflondon.gov.uk for specific needs.

Getting There

• By Air: London Heathrow (LHR, 15-20 miles, 1-hour train or drive) or London City Airport (LCY, 6-10 miles, 30-minute DLR).
• Public Transport: Nearest Tube stations are Bank (Central, Northern, DLR), St Paul’s (Central), and Farringdon (Elizabeth Line). City Thameslink is ideal for trains. Buses are diverted; check TfL’s journey planner for routes.
• By Foot: A 5-minute walk from Bank or St Paul’s stations to the viewing areas. Use underpasses at Bank, Mansion House, or Blackfriars to cross the route.
• By Bike: The City is car-free on event day, ideal for cycling, but avoid London Wall and West Smithfield. Some Santander Bike stands may be closed.
• By River: Blackfriars river bus pier is perfect for the return procession (1:15 PM-2:30 PM).
• Parking: Suspended in the City from Friday afternoon. Blue Badge holders can apply for limited parking at Victoria Embankment or Old Bailey (D Pass required). Pre-book nearby car parks like Q-Park Tower Bridge (E1W 1LA) via london.gov.uk.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers, including Scouts and Guides, assist with programme sales and crowd management. Benefits include event access and community engagement. Apply via lordmayorsshow.london/volunteer.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsors can support the show’s legacy and visibility. Contact lms@cityoflondon.gov.uk for details.

Local Attractions

• St Paul’s Cathedral: Historic landmark near the route (EC4M 8AD).
• Guildhall Art Gallery: Free entry on event day, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM (EC2V 5AE).
• London’s Roman Amphitheatre: Free entry, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM (EC2V 5AE).
• Barbican Centre: Cultural hub with exhibitions (EC2Y 8DS).
• Tower of London: Historic fortress (EC3N 4AB).

Accommodation Tips

Book hotels like Premier Inn London Bank or The Ned early, as November rates rise. Budget options in Liverpool Street or Farringdon are 10-15 minutes by Tube. Airbnb offers flats near the Bank or St Paul’s for convenience.

Safety and Etiquette

• Carry cash for programme purchases; ATMs may charge fees.
• Tip vendors $1-$2 per purchase.
• Expect bag checks and heavy policing; avoid large bags.
• Respect barriers and procession routes to ensure safety.
• Photography is encouraged; inform staff if you prefer not to be captured (see lordmayorsshow.london for photo policy).

Community and Economic Impact

The show attracts over 350,000 spectators and millions via BBC live coverage, boosting local businesses like cafes, restaurants, and shops in the City of London. It promotes civic engagement, supports charities through programme sales, and highlights the Lord Mayor’s role as an ambassador for London’s financial and professional services.