The Lord Mayor’s Show is steeped in historic significance. It is a tremendous spectacle and is the world’s oldest and greatest unrehearsed civic procession, filmed by the BBC for more than 80 years. It marks the occasion when the new Lord Mayor of London is presented to the citizens of London and makes the historic journey in the 270-year-old State Coach to swear allegiance to the Crown. He is joined in the Coach by his Chaplain and two of his three Esquires, the Swordbearer, (bearing the Lord Mayor's Sword of State) and the Common Cryer and Serjeant at Arms, who carries the great Mace of the City. The third Esquire, the City Marshal, rides ahead of the State Coach on horseback. This ancient pageant is more than 800 years old and in 2023 we celebrate the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, together with his wife the Lady Mayoress Elizabeth Mainelli.
Our Highlights of the Lord Mayor's Show 2023
15th November 2023
The Lord Mayor's Show on 11th November 2023 was a spectacular event. SPHERE’s parent company, Illustrated London News (ILN), publishes the Lord Mayor’s Show Programme each year, so we have a unique insight into the pageantry and fanfare, mixed with the diversity and entertainment. Lisa Barnard reports from the ground and Simon Lee captures the pictures and atmosphere.
The whole event is masterminded by Pageantmaster Dominic Reid OBE (read our interview with Dominic), who has overseen the Lord Mayor's Show for 31 years, and his father for 20 years before that. The City of London Corporation delivers the Lord Mayor's Show.
Illustrated London News, the parent company of SPHERE, has a front-row seat on the day. Or rather the ILN team is on the ground selling the Programme, which provides a complete guide to the Procession, tells the story of each year's Show and provides insights and exclusive interviews with the key players.
This year Alderman Michael Professor Michael Mainelli set out his concept of ‘Connect to Prosper’ and the ‘Knowledge Miles’. He characterises the City as “the world’s coffeehouse” – a place where great ideas of the great minds can be shared. These themes were taken up enthusiastically at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet on Monday, which I was fortunate to attend. The keynote speech was given by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the end of an eventful day in politics.
It is a privilege to play a role in this historic Show. The original Victorian masthead of Illustrated London News from 1842 includes the river pageant of the Lord Mayor’s Show at that time, so holds a special place in our hearts. Participants range from military regiments, charities, overseas partners, Livery Companies, financial services, businesses and community organisations. Put 9th November in your diary for 2024!
We present a curated edit of some wonderful moments during the 2023 Show.
For more information: https://lordmayorsshow.london/
To buy an official programme: https://www.britishcoronation.com/lord-mayors-show/p/official-programme
