Lord Mayor's Show 2005

Experience the pageantry, fun and spectacle of the City of London, by taking part in the highpoint of the City’s year.

Join the thousands of people lining the streets to cheer the new Lord Mayor of the City of London. Enjoy the huge variety of floats, acrobatics, fancy dress and military displays in a procession stretching three miles long.

There has been a Lord Mayor every year since 1189. The first Lord Mayor's Show was held in 1215 when King John's Charter stipulated that the new Lord Mayor must swear an oath of allegiance to the King and also to literally show himself to the people. Since then only major events such as the Black Death - and in 1852, the funeral of the Duke of Wellington - have stopped the show.

Over time the procession has become longer and more colourful. From 1422 and for centuries after, it floated down the River Thames (hence the term floats), and for some years the Lord Mayor rode on horseback. Since 1757 however, following an incident where the Lord Mayor was unseated by a drunken flowergirl, they have travelled in the famous ceremonial gold coach.

The Show route takes stretches from Guildhall to Mansion House. See official website below for full program details.