Lord Mayor's Show 2024: History of the event and timings of the procession through London

The Lord Mayor's Show (Getty Images)
The Lord Mayor's Show (Getty Images)

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of London for the Lord Mayor's Show, at which the new Lord Mayor of the City of London will be sworn in.

They will be able to take in the abundance of imaginative costumes depicting significant events in London's history, such as the Blitz and the Black Death during the three-mile parade, which every year features the gold state coach, magnificent floats and marching bands.

When is the Lord Mayor's Show?

The show will take place on Saturday November 9. Alderman Alastair King will be the new Lord Mayor of London, taking over from Alderman Michael Mainelli.

Every year on the second Saturday in November, the vent commemorates the installation of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London.

From the City of London, the newly chosen mayor makes his way to Westminster to swear loyalty to the sovereign.

Where does it take place?

The procession travels along St Paul's Cheapside and Fleet Street on its way from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice.

The origins of the Lord Mayor's Show date back to 1215, when King John gave the people of London the authority to choose their mayor. Since then the parade has grown into a grand display of civic pride.

Event schedule

11am The procession leaves the Lord Mayor's official residence, Mansion House.

11.30am The procession makes its way through the City, beginning at Mansion House, via Cheapside and St Paul's Cathedral, and arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice around 11.30am.

1.10pm After taking an oath of loyalty inside the Royal Courts, the newly appointed Lord Mayor returns to Mansion House via Temple Place.

How to watch

Between 11am and 12am, you can witness the outer procession in person in the area between Bank and St Paul's.

The best stations to get there are Bank and St Paul's, however, they are likely to be extremely crowded in the morning and it is often better to get off at Mansion House, Cannon Street or Blackfriars if you don't mind taking a quick stroll.

Go to the Embankment area between 1.15pm and 2.30pm to see the procession on its return trip if you'd prefer a more sedate or uncrowded experience.

The event will be live streamed by the BBC for those who can't attend.