Thousands gathered in the City of London on Saturday for the 696th Lord Mayor’s Show, a historic procession celebrated since the 13th Century. The event showcased around 7,000 participants, 250 horses, and 150 floats, parading from Guildhall to the Royal Courts of Justice. This year’s show was particularly significant as it marked the inaugural public engagement for the new Lord Mayor, Alastair King, who is required to swear allegiance to the Crown during the ceremony.

The Lord Mayor’s Show is a longstanding tradition in London, celebrating the appointment of the new mayor, which has origins dating back to the 13th Century. Each year, the event features a vibrant parade and serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and civic pride. The event not only signifies the commencement of the Lord Mayor’s duties but also involves a formal allegiance to the Crown, reinforcing the historical ties of London’s governance.

The 2024 Lord Mayor’s Show drew thousands to witness a grand procession involving numerous participants and floats, celebrating the appointment of Alastair King as the 696th Lord Mayor. With its deep historical roots and vibrant displays, this event continues to capture the essence of London’s cultural heritage while marking an important ceremonial occasion.

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Thousands flocked to central London for the annual Lord Mayor’s Show, a historic event dating back to the 13th century. This occasion marks the first official engagement of the new Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King, who rode in the golden state coach as the 696th Lord Mayor. The procession featured 7,000 participants, including 250 horses and 50 floats, and highlighted various groups like the Royal Regiment of Scotland and several livery companies. The parade commenced at Mansion House and concluded outside the Royal Courts of Justice. Mr King emphasised the show’s significance, stating it connects London’s history with its modern vibrancy, while his mayoral theme is “growth unleashed.” He aims to promote business and innovation in the city.

The Lord Mayor’s Show is a centuries-old tradition in London, celebrating the newly elected head of the City of London Corporation. The event not only showcases the rich civic heritage of the capital but also serves as an opportunity for the Lord Mayor to communicate with the public. Each year, the show features a grand parade, reflecting the cultural diversity and historical significance of the city.

The 696th Lord Mayor’s Show was a grand occasion celebrating London’s vibrant civic traditions, highlighted by Alderman Alastair King’s inaugural participation. The event brought together thousands to enjoy a unique procession, reinforcing the connection between the city’s historic past and its contemporary dynamism. Moving forward, Mr King aims to foster business growth in London.

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Thousands participated in the 696th Lord Mayor of London’s Show, a historic event dating back to the 13th century, held in central London. This year, Alderman Alastair King debuted as Lord Mayor, travelling in the iconic golden state coach and greeted by enthusiastic crowds. The event featured 7,000 participants, including 250 horses and over 50 decorative floats, marking the oldest civic procession worldwide. The parade commenced at 11 am from Mansion House and concluded outside the Royal Courts of Justice. Among its highlights were the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Beano magazine, and various livery companies, celebrating London’s rich traditions while showcasing its modern dynamism. In a pre-event statement, Mr King expressed his honour in partaking in an event that intertwines London’s history with contemporary vibrancy, announcing his theme for his mayoral year: “growth unleashed,” emphasising business promotion and technological advancement.

The Lord Mayor’s Show is an annual celebration representing the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of London and is steeped in tradition. It is famously the first official responsibility of the newly elected Mayor, promoting civic pride and community spirit. The show attracts thousands of attendees eager to witness a vibrant mix of historical customs and modern city life, making it an integral part of London’s cultural identity. Each year, it features a parade that reflects London’s diverse community and heritage.

The 2024 Lord Mayor’s Show celebrated the installation of Alderman Alastair King as the new Lord Mayor, reinforcing the event’s tradition and historical significance. With a theme focusing on growth and innovation, Mr King’s vision aims to align London’s rich heritage with its progressive future. This annual event continues to affirm London’s standing as a dynamic and vibrant city, drawing together diverse communities through a festive spectacle.

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The Lord Mayor’s state coach is currently exhibited at Guildhall in London ahead of the annual Lord Mayor’s Show. This historic coach, a significant British state vehicle since its creation in 1757, is one of three notable state coaches in the UK, alongside the King’s Gold State Coach and the Speaker’s State Coach. The inception of the Lord Mayor’s state coach stemmed from a mishap in 1710 when the sitting Lord Mayor, Gilbert Heathcote, was unhorsed by a drunken flower girl, resulting in a broken leg. Subsequently, the tradition of horseback riding for the Lord Mayor was replaced with a coach, and the new state coach was commissioned in 1757 for Sir Charles Asgill. During its display, the state coach is accessible for public viewing in a glass showcase, where visitors can admire its intricate decorations and learn about its historical significance. The coach will be pulled by six horses this Saturday during the Lord Mayor’s Show, symbolising the rank of the occupant, in this case, the Lord Mayor. Similarly, King Charles III’s coach was drawn by six horses during his coronation, emphasising royal status, contrasting with the addition of two more horses for the return journey, representing his anointed royal stature. The Lord Mayor’s Show features a two-part parade, with an estimated duration of over an hour, during which the Lord Mayor will interactively wave to the crowd. A detailed procession timetable, marking key points from the Guildhall to the Royal Courts of Justice and back, is available for attendees.

The Lord Mayor’s state coach, a long-standing tradition of the City of London, has been in use since 1757, illustrating the history and evolution of ceremonial practices within the city. This particular tradition roots back to an incident that prompted the acquisition of the coach, demonstrating how accidents can lead to significant historical developments. The display leading up to the Lord Mayor’s Show allows the public to engage with London’s civic heritage, while the coach itself serves not only as a conveyance but also as a representation of the status and authority of the Lord Mayor.

In summary, the Lord Mayor’s state coach is a treasured artifact displayed at Guildhall, rich in history and significance. Its role during the annual Lord Mayor’s Show highlights the ceremonial traditions of London, where the coach reinforces the dignity associated with the position of the Lord Mayor. Events surrounding the show, including the procession and interactions with the crowd, continue to uphold the city’s iconic practices with pride.

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