The Lord Mayor’s Show, which is an annual celebration of the new Lord Mayor assuming office takes place on the second Saturday in November. According to King John’s Charter of 1215 there was a requirement for the new Lord Mayor of the City of London to be taken from the City to Westminster to be ‘shown’ to the citizens of London (hence the term Show) and to swear an oath of allegiance before the sovereign. Since 1833 the Lord Mayor swears allegiance before judges at the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, but apart from that change the Lord Mayor’s Show takes place today for exactly the same constitutional reasons for which it was initiated.

The Show tableaux are called floats because originally they were constructed on vessels and floated up the Thames. In 1807 the City built its own barge, an 85 ft vessel propelled by 18 oarsmen which cost some £2079. It was sold 50 years later to the Oxford College Boat Club, which used it as a smoking room until it sank. The only aspect of the show on the river today is the firework display. The Lord Mayor’s state coach, built by Joseph Berry of Holborn for £1,000 has been used every year since 1757. It is pulled by 6 shire horses when the Lord Mayor is aboard, but ordinary people only qualify for 2 horses, nobles have 4 and only the sovereign qualifies for the full eight.

The Lord Mayors Show has been run continuously for over 780 years and it is the world’s biggest unrehearsed parade and the oldest surviving public demonstration of the democratic principle anywhere in the world. Some 40 tons of sand are spread on the streets of the City for the benefit of the horses and the procession comprising 3,000 civilians, 2,000 Service personnel, 40 horses, 60 floats, 20 bands, 120 vehicles and some 20 carriages creates a 2 mile procession which is nearly twice as long as the actual route and it takes about 1 hour to pass a viewing point.

In 1605 the show had to be repeated because of public demand and in 1618 the show had become such an attraction that the unpopular execution of Sir Walter Raleigh was scheduled for the same day in the hope that the show would distract citizens. In 1876 13 Indian elephants of the “British Empire” took part, but by the early 1970’s the event had dwindled to a shadow of its former self. However, since then the show has been transformed and invigorated.

For the event the Livery Companies normally receive Grandstand seat Application Forms which will be distributed to the Livery by the Clerk. Individuals may then make direct application for seats which cost about £18 and include a copy of the Official Programme. The St Paul’s Grandstand is situated close to TV camera positions where all floats and bands can be heard and seen to best advantage. All seats must be occupied by 10.45 hrs and the nearest underground stations are St Paul’s, Mansion House and Blackfriars. There are no car parking spaces available. It is worth noting that the Grandstands are not covered and that children will only be allowed onto Grandstands if they have a ticket or are small enough to sit on a lap without inconvenience to others. Folding chairs or carry cots are not allowed on the Grandstand and it is wise to wrap up with warm clothing, for even on a sunny day, it can be deceptively cold, especially if there is the slightest breeze.

Luncheon

The Livery normally receives an invitation from the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers for those attending the Show to take a buffet lunch at their Hall in Ave Maria Lane. Tickets are required but a hot buffet lunch is provided with appropriate food for children.Wine is served at the table and the dress for the luncheon is smart casual.A jacket and tie is required for men, for ladies trouser suits and boots are perfectly acceptable. (Jeans, jumpers and Wellington boots are not). Children should be dressed appropriately.