Lord Mayor's Show
Lord Mayor's Show
What's on
Getting here
History
Closures
Sign in
Grandstands!
Procession
The world's oldest, longest and most splendid civic procession: an hour and a half of old London pomp and pageantry leading up to the newly restored State Coach.
Show Zones
Exciting new festival spaces offering food and drink, live entertainment and places to shelter from the rain, though of course it will not rain this year.
Grandstands
For the best view of all and a chance to sit down. There are two stands, on either side of the route next to St Pauls. Book early as they usually sell out.
And also...
Guided walks
Travel guide
The City is traffic-free on Show day so there are no buses, and you certainly can't get here by car, but it's very easy to get in by tube, train, bike or footbridge. Make a plan here.
Access for disabled people
The Show is naturally accessible and enjoyable by all but it can be difficult to get to the right place. Look here for suggestions, warnings and special blue badge parking arrangements.
Where to watch
Our collected suggestions for different ways to enjoy the Show and the day: where to go, what to expect, what you might like to do after that.
Origins of the Show
The Lord Mayor's Show has its roots in an early mediæval power play, as bad King John attempts to get London on his side while his Barons use the City as a base from which to mount their rebellion.
The Middle Ages
By Elizabethan times the mayor has become a national celebrity. His journey to Westminster, a huge cavalcade known to all as the "Lord Mayor's Show", brings London to a joyful stop.
The Modern Show
In the 19th and 20th centuries the Show is a stately and magnificent celebration of London's ancient wealth and power, marching through wars and riots and making way only for Wellington's funeral.
And also...
Obstacles
Art and literature
The wartime shows
Dates and routes
Dick Whittington
Gog and Magog
Roads closed
Almost the whole of the City of London is closed on Show day, with no traffic allowed in or out. Please don't schedule works or weddings that day! Click through for details of the area and timetable.
Buses affected
Every bus route that would usually travel through the City of London will either turn back or go around the closed area. TfL publish the full details in the week before the Show but you can get the idea here.
Parking suspended
Many parking bays in the City area will be closed from the Friday afternoon, either to make space or to protect you from being shut in. Residents parking at the Barbican is not affected.
Forgot password?