The annual Lord Mayor’s show took place in the City of London today with all the usual pomp and pageantry.
The procession saw the new Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli, taken to Westminster in a gold carriage to swear loyalty to the crown.
London’s financial district was filled with excited people early this morning as the 800-year-old parade saw a pig float, comedian Vic Reeves and 2,000 troops took part in the extravagant celebrations for one of Britain’s oldest traditions.
The show is one of the oldest processions in the world, dating back to the 13th century. It has only been cancelled twice in that time, the latest being in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Mainelli, an economist and former accountant, has become the 695th Lord Mayor of London.
Mr Mainelli, an economist and former accountant, will become the 695th Lord Mayor of London
Jim Moir – better known as domedian Vic Reeves – was in attendance
Performers take part in the Lord Mayor’s show in the City of London
London’s financial district was filled with pomp and pageantry as the 800-year-old parade went into full swing
In his role, he will serve as a global ambassador for the UK financial and professional services industry.
The new Lord Mayor said: ‘This great City has always has responded to challenges with Continuity & Change, Tradition & Innovation.
‘After financial crises, Brexit, and bond market turmoil, as recently as yesterday my firm’s Global Financial Centres Index showed London holding firmly onto second place, gaining ten points on New York City.
‘London is the world’s coffee house where people bring their dreams to see them realised – such as solutions to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals on poverty, health, climate change, and more.
‘Over 40 learned societies, 70 universities, and 130 research institutes surround our City. Our City workforce has as many scientists, engineers, and technicians as bankers and insurers. 8,000 of our 24,000 businesses are science & engineering.
‘Let all of us in this magnificent City continue to be disturbed to greatness. It is with humility, and trust in your continued support, that I accept this office.’
New Lord Mayors are elected on September 29 and sworn in the day before the Show.
The early morning parade completes the swearing-in process by delivering the Lord Mayor from Mansion House, their official residence, to Westminster, where they swear loyalty to the Crown.
Rehearsals for the event took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning near St Paul’s Cathedral.
The show is one of the oldest processions in the world, dating back to the 13th century
One solider carries another on his back during the parade for the new Lord Mayor
More than 2,000 troops took part in the extravagant celebrations for one of Britain’s oldest traditions
The Lord Mayor is the City of London’s mayor and is elected every year
A giant pig float was by Members of the Worshipful Company of Paviors, the inflatable had their crest on it
New Lord Mayors are elected on September 29 and sworn in the day before the Show
In the mayor’s role, he will serve as a global ambassador for the UK financial and professional services industry
The extravagant celebration has only been cancelled twice in 80 years
The early morning parade completes the swearing-in process by delivering the Lord Mayor from Mansion House, their official residence, to Westminster
When the Mayor arrives at Westminster he is asked to swear loyalty to the crown
The Lord Mayor practiced waving his tri-cornered hat out of the coach window to the invisible crowds on Wednesday
Rehearsals for the event took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning near St Paul’s Cathedral
The Lord Mayor of London’s state coach during Wednesday’s practice run