Plan Your Visit
09.11.2024

Lord Mayor’s Show

A big day in the City’s calendar

Visit the City on Saturday 9 November and watch the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Show, one of the biggest days in the City of London each year.

Enjoy the spectacle and welcome the new Lord Mayor, travelling in the gleaming State Coach. There's plenty of places to watch from along the route from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice and back! Note that there's a different route in each direction.

The Lord Mayor's Show is an annual event that dates back over 800 years. The original purpose of this historic event was to welcome the new Lord Mayor, and to "show" them to the people of the City. During the procession the Lord Mayor will swear an oath of allegiance to the sovereign at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The Show will be a lively spectacle of sights and sounds, showcasing the unique blend of elements that define the Square Mile. You'll experience marching bands, City livery companies in traditional attire, alongside modern businesses, community groups, schools, and charities. Typically, over 7,000 participants, 200 horses, and approximately 150 groups and floats come together in a three-mile-long procession to celebrate the Lord Mayor’s first full day in office.

Find out more about the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

More information about the show itself can be found on the Lord Mayor's Show website.

Why not make a full day of it with plenty of other things to see & do in the City after the show: 

  • Pop into the City Information Centre near St Paul's Cathedral for advice on things to do and to pick up the City Visitor Trail.
    • You can also buy a copy of the official programme for the Lord Mayor's Show.
  • Visit the Guildhall Art Gallery (Open 11am-5pm, Free Entry)
    • Look out for the artworks of the Lord Mayor's Show in previous years, and see a wide range of paintings depicting London over 350 years!
  • Discover London's Roman Amphitheatre - step into Roman ruins where crowds once gathered to watch wild animal fights, public executions and gladiatorial combat. (Open 11am-5pm, Free Entry)
  • Explore the City with free self-guided walking trails - City Visitor Trail, or Children's Trail - pick up free printed maps from City Information Centre, Guildhall or Guildhall Art Gallery.
  • Enjoy a wide range of attractions, museums and galleries across the City.
  • Find places to eat and drink, with a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars for all tastes.
  • Opportunities for shopping.
  • Note: Special openings and offers for Saturday 9 November 2024 will be updated nearer to the event.

Getting there

The City has plenty of transport links but check with TfL for service changes. There will be significant road closures and restrictions in place to accommodate the procession - so drivers should check their route - and no buses can travel through the City of London or along the Embankment from 7am until about 4pm.

Related events

Pardner Hand – A Caribbean answer to British banking exclusion
This exhibition explores a way of saving popularised by the Windrush Generation, which empowered Caribbean people to save money and build a life in the UK.
Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge
Investigate the genius of Christopher Wren and his ever-enquiring mind in this new exhibition at St Paul's Cathedral - said to be Wren's masterpiece.
The Tower Bridge Cat Trail
02.01.2024 31.10.2024

The Tower Bridge Cat Trail

Tower Bridge
Inspired by 'The Tower Bridge Cat' and the characters from the award-winning books, families are invited to complete our interactive Trail as they make their way through Tower Bridge.
Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London Exhibition
Celebrate the work of artist and specialist wood engraver Anne Desmet, at this new exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery from 12 April to 8 September 2024.
Exhibition: Desks, Drudgery and the Dictionary
After a 250-year absence, the ‘Dictionary Desk’ of celebrated 18th century writer Samuel Johnson makes a historic return to his former abode, Dr Johnson’s House in the City of London.
Rough Trade pop-up store arrives at the Barbican Shop
The Barbican Shop will host a pop-up store for legendary independent music retailer Rough Trade from July 2024 until the end of the year.
The Giant Dolls House Project: Tales of the City
A wonderful installation by local children exploring their relationship with urban spaces.
Guildhall School of Music & Drama Autumn Season 2024
Whether you’re a fan of classical music, emerging jazz talent, modernised operas or gripping theatre that explores love, life and society - they’ve got something for you
Exhibition / Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum
In her first solo exhibition at a major UK institution, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum creates dynamic works newly commissioned for The Curve.
SHIFT + SPACE Autumn 2024
Kicking off the programming in the last part of the year, is Theatre Deli's final SHIFT+SPACE for 2024. They present for your tasting, 7 brand spanking new pieces of work in progress performances.
Heritage Gallery Exhibition: City of London, a city of science
A new display that celebrates the City’s rich history of scientific innovation and invention.
My Inner Child Says: Live Life Before It Leaves You
Hive Curates are pleased to present Maureen Uzoh’s solo exhibition, ‘My Inner Child Says: Live Life Before It Leaves You,’ inviting viewers into a whimsical and introspective journey.
City Festival of Music, Invention & Knowledge
This autumn, the City Festival of Music, Invention & Knowledge celebrates the City’s unique environment, beauty and creativity through a two week programme of live music and performance.
Half-Term Family Activities at Tower Bridge
London’s defining landmark, Tower Bridge offers a memorable day out in London for the entire family – pets included!
Lunchtime Concert – Ensemble Augelletti
Experience the brand new 2024 CMF Artists Ensemble Augelletti at the Apothecaries’ Hall on Wednesday 23rd October, 1pm.
Rooftop Yoga & Brunch at The Skyline London
Start your day with a rejuvenating rooftop yoga session at The Skyline London, set against the breath-taking backdrop of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
Halloween at the Tower of London
With a thousand years of history within its walls, encounter the restless spirits of the past this Halloween at the Tower of London.
Kaleidoscope: Half Term Family Day
A special Holiday Family activity day responding to themes of our current exhibition – Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London.
LSO Concert – Adámek and Beethoven
Experience Beethoven’s wit paired with a cat-and-mouse chase around the orchestra from Ondřej Adámek at the Barbican Centre.
Interactive Storytelling – ‘Roman Around Londinium’
Step back in time and embark on a journey beneath the streets of London at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE.
Die Fledermaus
150 years after its first performance in Vienna, Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus arrives at Silk Street Theatre this Autumn.
Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London Exhibition Tours
Join artist and co-curator Anne Desmet RA for an extended guided tour of the Kaleidoscope/London exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery.
LSO Concert – Mendelssohn and Schubert ‘The Great’
Experience the power of Romanticism with Liszt’s Les préludes, Mendelssohn’s iconic Violin Concerto, and Schubert’s grand final symphony. Conductor Daniele Rustioni and violinist Francesca Dego debut with the LSO.
Voila! Festival 2024
Voila! Festival is making a grand return for 2024 and they have an exciting programme of genre and border-busting performances at Theatre Deli's home in Leadenhall Street.
Ancient Rome in Words – Free Workshop
Join Dr Kathryn Tempest and Professor Gesine Manuwald for a discussion of Ancient Rome as seen through the eyes of its earliest observers.
Constellations of Being Three – Concert at St James Garlickhythe church
A special concert for organ, piano and saxophone in the stunning St James Garlickhythe church in the City of London
Tour of London’s Roman Amphitheatre – November
Join archaeologist Dr Andrew Lane for an extended tour of one of the most important buildings in Roman London.
The Joy: Part of EFG London Jazz Festival
Experience the euphoria of South African acapella with the fast rising international sensation The Joy in the Milton Court Concert Hall.
Lunchtime Concert: Nikita Lukinov
The Nutcracker & I
The Nutcracker & I, is a stunning production featuring a pianist, ballerina, state-of-the-art animations and digital effects.
Gotts Street Park and Friends
Gotts Street Park makes its Barbican debut with a live presentation of some of the Leeds-based trio’s favourite studio moments and collaborations so far – from their first release, right up until today.
The Charterhouse Christmas Fair
Over 50 stalls with brilliant gift ideas in atmospheric surroundings. The popular Charterhouse Christmas Fair is returning on 26 November.
Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London Wood Engraving Workshop
Join artist and co-curator Anne Desmet RA for this interactive 'introduction to wood engraving' workshop.
Carols by Candlelight at The Charterhouse
Enjoy a selection of carols, festive music and special readings at this Carols by Candlelight concert in The Charterhouse Chapel.
Leisure in Roman London Tour
Discover two of the best-preserved Roman sites in London with archaeologist Dr Andrew Lane; the Roman Amphitheatre & Billingsgate Bath House
Rooftop Christmas Party by Blue Orchid Hospitality
Enjoy an unforgettable festive evening filled with gourmet dining, live entertainment and festive cheer at this exclusive rooftop Christmas party with views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
New Year’s Eve Party at Hithe + Seek
Join the party at Hithe + Seek, their iconic riverside bar with a night of live music, an eight-course dinner of small plates and unparalleled views of the River Thames.