The Lord Mayor’s Show

One of the biggest and best days out in London each year is the Lord Mayor’s Show. This entirely free event closes the city for most of the day, and has been celebrated for over 800 years!

If you’re in London at this time, or looking to visit, then Saturday 9th November is the date to mark in your diaries, and to book your train, coach, hotel, or even one of the many fine hotels by the hour in London via daybreakhotels.com. Whether it’s a day trip with a little rest time in your hotel by the hour, or a longer stay in your week-long hotel residence, there are a plethora of options to suit every budget in this grand city.

The Lord Mayor’s Show is an equally grand tradition, begun by King John in the medieval period. It was the subject of the world’s first live outdoor TV broadcast and is also its longest running TV show - amazing achievements indeed!

Each year, the Show features over 600 performers in a spectacular parade which includes marching bands, military members, decorative carriages, dance troupes, displays, pageantry, and giant sights such as puppets and mechanised creations. It is a mix of styles, influences, and eras, bringing us, here and now, the best from its long history as well as an intriguing modern touch. The phrase ‘pomp and spectacle’ is brought to life in this fabulous free events, and the mix of heritage and tradition, history and innovation, makes it one of the most original and interesting Shows around.

Since so many streets will be closed on the day, it’s advised NOT to take a car but to follow public transport routes as far as you can and then to walk in. Disabled people are welcome to attend but do make sure to leave ample time for traversing the city and getting yourself to a suitable vantage point. There are grandstands for wheelchair users and special arrangements for blue badge holders, but please check for details on these as parking will be confined to these areas alone.

Food and drink will be available in cheery new festival spaces that also offer shelter from the elements, and seats in two grandstands next to St Paul’s Cathedral are also available, although these cost £40 each and must be booked in advance.