· Flotilla will carry incoming Lord Mayor of the City of London Bronek Masojada from Westminster to HMS President before the Show

· Royal Navy Guard of Honour will parade the King’s Colour on His Majesty’s 78th birthday

· An estimated 6,500 participants will join a 2.86-mile procession through the Square Mile on Saturday 14 November

The incoming Lord Mayor of the City of London will bring a historic Thames tradition back to life when he travels by ceremonial barge before joining the Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday 14 November.

Bronek Masojada will leave Westminster at 8.30am aboard the Royal Shallop “Jubilant”, accompanied by his wife, the Sheriffs of the City of London, and a flotilla of Livery boats, before disembarking at HMS President and taking his place in the procession through the Square Mile.

The river journey recalls the historic route taken by Lord Mayors travelling to Westminster to swear loyalty to the Crown, a tradition at the heart of the Show’s history and purpose.

At 11am, the diverse procession will set off from the Mayoral residence, The Mansion House, featuring schools, community groups, performers, musicians, military bands, City charities, financial institutions, and Livery Companies, in a dazzling display of the Square Mile at its very best.

The Show, which is Alderman Masojada’s first public engagement after taking office at the Silent Ceremony on Friday 13 November, will bring together around 6,500 participants, 250 horses, and more than 50 decorated floats in a 2.86-mile procession through the City. Over 350,000 people are expected to line the route, with millions more watching live on BBC One and online.

The Royal Navy will provide the Guard of Honour and parade the King’s Colour on the King’s 78th birthday.

During his year in office, Lord Mayor Masojada will serve as an international ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector, strengthening business relationships at home and abroad, promoting opportunities for people and growth, and championing the UK as a leading destination for investment.

Lord Mayor Elect, Bronek Masojada, said:

“Beginning my first public engagement as Lord Mayor on the Thames will be a very special moment.

“The Lord Mayor’s Show brings centuries of history to life and celebrates the talent, traditions, and opportunities that connect the City with communities across London, the UK, and the world.

“Having come to this country from South Africa and found opportunity here, I want to champion the next generation and ensure that the City continues to deliver for the whole country.”

Among this year’s international performers will be Grammy Award-winning South African dance group INALA, a Polish folk band, German and Swiss bands, and the US Navy Band, taking part as the United States marks its 250th anniversary.

Other highlights will include a City Bridge Foundation model of Tower Bridge and a marching drum and bass band from Guildhall School of Music & Drama, both part of the City of London Corporation, alongside a Hiscox float, the original Dad’s Army van from Thetford, and 450 RAF Air Cadets marking their 80th anniversary.

A giant bee sculpture made in Manchester from recovered knives will appear in support of the No Knives, Better Lives campaign. The National Police LGBT+ Network will also take part.

This year marks 100 years since the Lord Mayor’s Show was first broadcast live by the BBC, on radio in 1926.

City Corporation elected Aldermen will travel in carriages, while the City Marshal, Henry Lee, will take part on horseback, having learned to ride especially for this year’s Show.

The free procession will leave The Mansion House at 11am, travel through the City to the Royal Courts of Justice, and return to The Mansion House.

Visitors are encouraged to use public transport and check travel information (see Transport for London’s Journey Planner) before setting out, as extensive road closures will be in place across the City.

For more details about The Lord Mayor’s Show, including its history, the procession, access for disabled visitors, and the best places to watch the Show, please visit www.lordmayorsshow.london/.

The City of London Police will be on duty before, during, and after the Show to help ensure the safety and security of participants and visitors.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For MEDIA ACCREDITATION for The Lord Mayor’s Show 2026, please email lms26@pearceinternational.com by no later than 1pm Friday 6 November.

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 flotilla:

The last Lord Mayor’s Show flotilla took place in 2017, when the incoming Lord Mayor Charles Bowman travelled from Westminster to HMS President aboard Gloriana, accompanied by 24 traditional rowing boats.

About Lord Mayor Elect Bronek Masojada:

Bronek Masojada was elected Alderman for the Ward of Billingsgate in 2019 and served as Sheriff of the City of London in 2023/24. He is Chair of the East End Community Foundation, which supports communities across Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and the City of London.

A highly respected figure in the insurance and financial services sectors, Bronek is Chair of SiriusPoint and Saltus Ltd, a Non-Executive Director of Brown & Brown, and an adviser to several fintech businesses.

Bronek retired as Chief Executive of Hiscox Ltd in 2021, having led the company from 1993 and overseen its transformation into a global FTSE-listed insurer. Before joining Hiscox, he worked at McKinsey & Company.