The rainbow Pride flag will be flown for the first time over iconic City landmarks, The Mansion House and Central Criminal Court, to celebrate the City of London Corporation’s support for the LGBT+ community.

The instantly recognisable flag, which was created 40 years ago, will also fly over Tower Bridge and Guildhall, the home of the City of London Corporation, from 2 July to 8 July.

In a ceremony on 2 July, Dame Fiona Woolf, who served as Lord Mayor from 2013 to 2014, will welcome guests to Guildhall Yard, before the flag is raised over the City Corporation’s historic headquarters.

Staff and Elected Members from the Square Mile’s governing body will join the Pride in London parade for the first time this year on Saturday 7 July.

Representatives from the City of London Corporation’s family of schools and academies as well as from the City of London Police, will also join the march.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, said:

“Flying the rainbow flag over iconic City landmarks reminds everyone of the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance in our society.

“We are celebrating the growing diversity in the Square Mile, while also standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those working in our communities to tackle prejudice.”

Alderman Tim Hailes, Sheriff of London, said:

“It is, undoubtedly, with a sense of pride that we are flying the rainbow flag over four historic City buildings during the Pride in London celebrations.

“By raising the flags and taking part in the parade on 7 July, the City of London Corporation is sending a clear and very visible message of support for London and the UK’s LGBT+ communities.”

Edward Lord, Chair of the Establishment Committee, which leads on the City Corporation’s workforce and inclusion policies, said:

“Pride matters. It is a hugely important event globally and I am delighted that we will see the rainbow Pride flag flying over iconic City landmarks.

“Together we are celebrating Pride In London and supporting the on-going fight for equality and inclusivity in this country and overseas.

“We are raising the flag to show our commitment to fairness and diversity and our support for the City Corporation’s LGBT+ employees and elected Members as well as LGBT+ communities in London and the UK.”

As part of its ‘Investing in Londoners’ programme, City Bridge Trust, the City Corporation’s charitable funder, has awarded 16 grants totalling £1.5m for work benefiting the LGBT+ community.

The City of London Corporation, which owns Guildhall, The Mansion House, Tower Bridge and Central Criminal Court, invests over £100m every year in heritage and cultural activities of all kinds. It is the UK’s largest funder of cultural activities after the government, the BBC, and Heritage Lottery Fund.

The City Corporation is also developing Culture Mile between Farringdon and Moorgate – a multi-million-pound investment which will create a new cultural and creative destination for London over the next 10 to 15 years. This includes £110m funding to support the Museum of London’s move to West Smithfield and £2.5m to support the detailed business case for the proposed Centre for Music.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Tel: 020 7332 1452 / Mobile: 07795 333060 / Email andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Dame Fiona Woolf

Dame Fiona Woolf, who served as Lord Mayor from 2013 to 2014, championed the Power of Diversity series. More information here.