The Lord Mayor’s State Coach made its way through the darkened City streets at dawn this morning, as Lord Mayor Elect Michael Mainelli hailed Saturday’s first post-Coronation Lord Mayor’s Show as beginning a “new era” for the event.

Pulled by six horses and followed by members of the Show’s team, the ‘Early Morning Rehearsal’, which began before sunrise from Guildhall Yard, provided an eye-catching preview of this weekend’s annual parade. 

 The Lord Mayor’s Show is the largest, noisiest, and most colourful event in the City of London’s calendar and, with three days until the Show, the ‘EMR’ is the only opportunity for Lord Mayor Elect Michael Mainelli and the members of the event’s team to run through the exact timings and choreography with Pageantmaster Dominic Reid.

 During the rehearsal, the Seattle-born Mainelli, who will take office as the 695^th Lord Mayor of the City of London on Friday, rode in the golden State Coach, which has been used in every Show since 1757.

 Lord Mayor Elect Michael Mainelli said:

 “This Lord Mayor’s Show will be a celebration of the reign of His Majesty King Charles III, and the first to be held following his Coronation, ushering in a new era for this historic community spectacle.

 “It will bring together 7,000 people, including charities, school children, community groups, the armed forces, 250 horses, and over 150 floats in a three-mile-long parade - so today’s Early Morning Rehearsal was an essential part of the arrangements for this huge event.

“Since time immemorial, the City has been a loyal supporter of the Monarchy. The Royal Family is a symbol of unity and stability through the unprecedented changes in recent history.

“The Show’s pageantry underscores London’s welcome to the world and as an immigrant myself, I am thrilled that London is – as it should be - open to everyone.”

 As Lord Mayor of the City of London, Michael Mainelli will become the elected head of the City of London Corporation. He will serve as a global ambassador for the UK-based financial and professional services industry and will succeed the current Lord Mayor, Nicholas Lyons.

 The Lord Mayor acts as an international spokesperson for the City, leading business delegations overseas to key international markets on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry.

 On the day, the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Jubilee lines will be closed until 3pm for engineering works. The Northern, Central, and Elizabeth lines will remain open all day, as well as London Overground, DLR, and Thameslink services. Please check Transport for London’s Journey Planner for regular updates.

 The parade will flow through Bank Junction, where the ‘All Change at Bank’ construction works will be completed in spring 2024 to provide a more pleasant area for City workers, residents, and visitors to travel through, and spend time in.

As ever, the safety and security of all of those participating and visiting this year’s Show is of vital importance, and the City of London Police will carry out highly visible and undercover patrols before, during, and after the event.

For more details about The Lord Mayor’s Show, visit lordmayorsshow.london

ENDS

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 

 About The Lord Mayor’s Show 2023:

The noisiest, largest, and most colourful event in the City of London’s calendar will take place on Saturday 11 November from 11.00am. Joining the parade and riding in the State Coach will be the Seattle-born economist, accountant, and scientist, Michael Mainelli, who has been elected as the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London. Cheered on by an estimated 250,000 people lining the City’s streets and millions watching the live BBC One coverage and online streaming, commentary will be provided by former BBC Radio 1 presenter, Scott Mills. For more details about The Lord Mayor’s Show, visit lordmayorsshow.london