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 2023 Lord Mayor's Show took place on Saturday 11 November. This is an annual event, see details below of what happened on the day in 2023.
Information about the 2024 event will be added nearer to the date (Saturday 9 November 2024).
A big day in the City’s calendar
Visit the City on Saturday 11 November and watch this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show when over 7,000 people, 200 horses, and around 150 groups and floats take part in a three mile-long procession to mark the Lord Mayor’s first full day in office.
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.
As ever the Show will be a vibrant mix of sights and sounds as all the different elements that go to make the Square Mile unique come together – you'll see marching bands, City livery companies - some in traditional outfits, modern businesses, alongside community groups, schools, and charities.
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.
Why not make a full day of it with plenty of other things to see & do in the City: attractions, museums and galleries; restaurants, cafes and bars for all tastes; and opportunities for shopping.
More information about the show itself can be found on the Lord Mayor's Show website.
Get a close-up advance view of the magnificent State Coach on display in Guildhall Yard from 4 November until the Show.
Things to see & do after the show on Saturday 11 November 2023:
- 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 1pm-4pm, 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!
- A special addition is joining the display for this weekend only - Chris Orr's artwork featuring the Lord Mayor's iconic gold coach!
- Join free Family Activities in a special Lord Mayor's Show themed Second Saturday - make your own tricorn hat and explore art related to the City. Book ahead to secure your place.
- Explore the highlights of the Gallery and Amphitheatre - free introductory tours every 30 minutes from 1:30pm onwards.
- Buy tickets to see pageantry costumes up close in the stunning temporary exhibition "Treasures of Gold & Silver Wire".
- Discover London's Roman Amphitheatre - step into Roman ruins where crowds once gathered to watch wild animal fights, public executions and gladiatorial combat. (Open 1pm-4pm, Free Entry)
- See Shakespeare's First Folio on display in the City of London Heritage Gallery. (Open 1pm-4pm, Free Entry)
- Find out more about the City on a free guided walking tour with official City of London Guides. These special tours leave from 1 Poultry at 3pm (tours are free but a donation to the Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal is always welcome).
- Visit St Paul's Cathedral free of charge on 11 November (entry to the Dome Galleries - £10).
- Enjoy a rare weekend opening of the Bank of England Museum. Free entry, plus free family fun - crafts, storytelling and face painting.
- 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.
Special offers on Lord Mayor's Show Day
- Head to Hithe + Seek for delicate finger sandwiches, freshly bakes scones, and showstopping pastries, alongside a glass of Taittinger Champagne (£45 per person).
- Enjoy a 20% off food and drinks at Clayton Hotel use promo code LRDMAYS when pre-booking via email.
- Pop-into Host Café inside the historic St Mary Aldermary church - special Saturday opening for the Show - 9.30am-3pm.
- Visit St Bride's Church - just off Fleet Street.
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.
Tube closures due to major engineering work
The Northern, Central, and Elizabeth lines will remain open all day, as well as London Overground, DLR, and Thameslink services, but the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Jubilee lines will be closed until 3pm on 11 November (Also no service on the Metropolitan line between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Aldgate until 3pm). Please allow extra time for your journey and check with TfL before travelling.
Alternative travel options for the Lord Mayor's Show include Thameslink services to Blackfriars or City Thameslink stations, or taking the Elizabeth Line to Farringdon or Liverpool Street if you can, as Bank and St Paul’s Tube stations are likely to be busier than usual.
