A Ukraine-themed float; a London mum who has completed two degrees while bringing up her ten children; artist and comedian Jim Moir (best known as Vic Reeves); and six Mongolian horsemen will be among the 7,000-strong Lord Mayor’s Show procession.

Float holders, marching bands, and representatives from a diverse range of community groups and charities are preparing to take their place in the parade for the largest, noisiest, and most colourful event in the City of London’s calendar.

Over 150 floats and several military and civilian bands will join thousands of people, 250 horses, and Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli in the three-mile-long parade, which starts from The Mansion House on Saturday 11 November at 11.03am, following the national two-minute silence for Armistice Day.

Musicians, performers, schools, military bands, City charities, financial institutions, and Livery companies, are among those who have designed floats for The Lord Mayor’s Show and this year, they include:

• A Ukraine-themed float, created by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, resplendent in the country’s traditional colours and carrying the words ‘London and Kyiv – Two Cities United’, will send a clear message that the capital stands proudly with Ukraine and its people
• CCA Art Bus - a mobile art gallery and a recognised work of art designed by Sir Peter Blake - with passengers including comedian, actor, and artist Jim Moir (best known as Vic Reeves) who designed the artwork for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.
• London Metropolitan University graduate, Denise Morrison, has completed two degrees, while bringing up her ten children, and will join the University’s float. Denise, who moved from Jamaica to the UK in 2002, took part in the University’s ‘Real London’ campaign, which showcases its students and their place in the city beyond the campus.
• The Senior Liveries Float, which represents the oldest charity fundraising body in the UK - the City’s Guilds and liveries, dating from the 10th century, and providing around £65m every year.
• Six Mongolian horsemen from the forthcoming production, The Mongol Khan, at the London Coliseum.
• Christ’s Hospital School Band, dating from 1868 and which first attended The Lord Mayor’s Show in 1974. During the Show, the musicians will be wearing their famous Tudor uniform, worn by all of the 900 students.

Over 250,000 people are expected to line the City’s streets to see the event, which will be followed by millions watching the live BBC One coverage and online streaming.

Lord Mayor Elect Michael Mainelli said:

“These marvellous marchers, specially selected to represent their communities and good causes, help make The Lord Mayor’s Show what it is – a tremendous celebration of our great City’s diversity and a genuinely fun day out.

“I am grateful to everyone taking part, whether it is their thirtieth or first experience of joining the parade, and I hope that they’ll have a very enjoyable day.”

During his mayoralty and as the head of the City of London Corporation, the Lord Mayor will act 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.

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

Notes to editors

For media enquiries and interviews with the float holders and individuals featured here, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing, The Lord Mayor’s Show), City of London Corporation mobile: +44 (0) 7795 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

 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