The Lord Mayor’s Show is a longstanding London tradition Londoners should experience at least once.
The good news is that admission to the Lord Mayor's performance is free; you do not need tickets. You can apply here for special disabled access if you have a blue badge.
It starts in Bank around 11am and will finish in Aldwych at 2.30pm. There are festival zones with food booths, exhibits, live entertainment, and amusement rides that visitors can access at any point along the route.
With the Lord Mayor’s Show returning to the City of London tomorrow, here’s everything else you need to know.
When is the Lord Mayor’s Show 2022?
The Lord Mayor’s Show takes place on Saturday, November 12.
This year's show begins with a three-mile procession, which kicks off at 11am. The procession will comprise 133 floats and will take about an hour-and-a-quarter to pass a single point.
It will travel through the city, beginning at Mansion House via Cheapside and St Paul's Cathedral, and arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice at 12.32pm.
Lord Mayor will then spend some time inside the Royal Courts to swear an oath of allegiance, before rejoining the procession at Temple Place at 1.10pm, after this point the procession will head back to Mansion House.
It is expected to be quieter and less crowded between 1.15pm and 2.30pm in the Embankment region.
Free guided tours conducted by City of London tour guides are offered from outside Bank between 3pm and 4pm following the procession.
Who is the new Lord Mayor?
Nicholas Lyons will be taking over from Vincent Keaveny as the 694th Lord Mayor of London. He was previously the Sheriff of the City of London in 2021-22. He has worked in finance for the past 40 years.
Who is involved in the Lord Mayor’s Parade?
Taiko drummers, a 1955 Austin Champ, a large inflatable pig, and military bands are a few of the participants expected at this year’s parade.
In total, 6,500 people, 250 horses, and 133 floats are anticipated. The full list is available here.
And yes, the Golden State Coach, the oldest ceremonial vehicle still in use and a staple of every Lord Mayor's Parade since 1757, will be there.
How to watch
The procession can be watched anywhere along the route, and will take roughly an hour, between 11am and noon, in the area between Bank and St Paul’s. However, if you’re after a quieter experience, go to Temple and Blackfriars around 1.15pm.
What is the history behind the Lord Mayor’s Parade?
The Lord Mayor's Show was first put on by the city in the 13th century, as a way for the new Lord Mayor to meet the citizens of the city.
Today, the annual event takes place for the same reason.
It is an opportunity for the Lord Mayor to “display” themselves to the residents of the City of London and also serves as a platform for the Lord Mayor to swear an oath of allegiance to the monarch.
There have been two female London ‘lord’ mayors in its history.
What function does the Lord Mayor serve?
As the elected head of the City of London Corporation, they serve as global ambassador for the UK-based financial and professional services industry. They lead business delegations overseas to key international markets on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry.
They meet government representatives from around the world, alongside business leaders and policymakers. The role involves strengthening economic ties with the UK, identifying new business opportunities, and promoting the UK as a top global destination for foreign investment.
