
Coachlines - October 2024
31.10.24 Master Stephen Fitz-Gerald
Join us for The Lord Mayor’s Show
Dear Coachmakers,
I do hope you can join me at one of the absolute highlights of the Livery year, The Lord Mayor’s Show, writes The Master.
This year is all the more special as the newly elected Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King, is a Coachmaker.
The Lord Mayor’s Show is a City event like no other. After 809 years of practice, they really know how to put on a spectacle and, as a Coachmaker, you have the chance to be part of the Show. There are remarkably few occasions where you will be cheered by more than 500,000 well-wishers whilst featuring in a landmark BBC production, but this is exactly what you can expect if you join us on 9 November 2024 to take part.
You should have received the full advert email – for more information on how to join and what it entails, please click here.
The day commences around 9.15am, with Coachmakers gathering at a muster point in the City. After a short briefing, the world’s largest unrehearsed procession will begin to form up, before passing alongside the Bank of England and rounding Mansion House corner, the start line.
The three-mile route travels through the City to Aldwych, where we pause for some refreshments, before returning along Embankment. The walking pace is steady (being set by marching bands) but moves continuously.
To complete the Coachmakers’ entry we will be walking alongside the Millennium Coach. The majority of the Coachmakers will be walking alongside, waving to the crowds and generally showing our support for the Lord Mayor.
Please do make a big effort to come and support your Livery, and the new Lord Mayor, in the City of London’s most spectacular event of the year. This year is all the more special given the Lord Mayor is a Coachmaker and we don’t want to be outdone by Alderman King’s other liveries!
After the Show has concluded at around 3pm, for those who wish to join, a restaurant will be reserved in the City for a late lunch. The day usually concludes around 6.30pm, although it has been known to extend later into the evening in further support of the City’s drinking establishments.
Partners and family are very welcome to join as well, although it is not suitable for young children to take part in the Show. The day is a fantastic opportunity to see the City at peak pomp and ceremony and to get to know your fellow Liverymen.
If you are interested in joining us, or have any questions, please contact Honorary Assistant Richard Robinson (rhmrobinson@hotmail.co.uk / 07799 412326).
I do hope you can join me and fellow Coachmakers on the day and look forward to seeing you there.
Stephen Fitz-Gerald
Master Coachmaker