Lady Mayor’s Show 2025 — When London Marries Pageantry With Pop Culture (Full Guide)
This year London writes a new line into a very old story. For the first time in the modern age the Lord Mayor’s Show will be called, with intent and ceremony, the Lady Mayor’s Show and that matters. It’s not just a headline: it’s pageantry being nudged, finally, into the present.
If you’re heading into the City on Saturday 8 November 2025, here’s everything you need: where the procession goes, why the State Coach is worth a photo, how to beat crowds, family tips, and the tiny local tricks that make the day feel special, not stressful. Confirmed details are from the official Lord Mayor’s Show pages and City of London sources.
Why this year feels different
Dame Susan Langley DBE will take office in the Silent Ceremony on Friday 7 November, then the next day she’ll ride the procession route to present herself at the Royal Courts of Justice and take the oath of allegiance the ritual at the heart of the show. She is officially named as the 697th Lord Mayor, and the City has chosen to style the 2025 parade as the Lady Mayor’s Show to reflect that historic first. It’s both an old ritual and a modern headline in one.
Quick facts you need to know (so you don’t miss the moment)
When: Saturday 8 November 2025, main parade begins ~11:00 and runs for around 3–3.5 hours (timings can vary; it usually finishes early afternoon). Silent Ceremony (formal installation) is on 7 Nov.
Where (route): The procession travels from Mansion House along Cheapside, passing St Paul’s Cathedral, on to the Royal Courts of Justice for the oath, before returning via the Embankment and Victoria Street back to Mansion House. This gives you multiple options for where to stand.
TV: The Show is broadcast live (traditionally on BBC) the TV coverage usually begins shortly before the Lord Mayor leaves Mansion House.
The best places to watch (and why)
You can catch the procession at almost any point on the route, but these spots come with their own pros:
Bank / Mansion House (start area): historic backdrop, big crowd energy, and you’ll see the tail end of the coach and many of the early floats. Get there very early for a good patch of pavement.
Cheapside & St Paul’s Cathedral: dramatic architecture makes for sharp photos St Paul’s steps are especially photogenic when the Lord Mayor receives a blessing.
Royal Courts of Justice (Strand): the formal oath ceremony happens here it’s a civic focal point and a good spot to catch the official moment. You won’t be as close as the press banks, but it’s meaningful to watch from here.
Embankment & Victoria Street (return): quieter zones later in the procession and a chance to see the procession’s concluding pageantry and the review of the pikemen and musketeers.
What you’ll actually see (the good bits)
Expect a mix of solemn ceremony and big theatrical moments: the Lord Mayor’s Coach / State Coach (a gilt, historic horse-drawn coach), formal pikemen and musketeers, military and civic bands, thousands of marchers from civic groups, schools and charities, plus the traditional wicker giants Gog & Magog who’ve been part of the show for centuries. It’s an odd and glorious blend of Tudor pageantry and modern community pride.
Tips to avoid the stress
Arrive early: if you want a kerbside spot at Bank or Mansion House, be there before 09:30. The City fills fast.
Plan your Tube route: key stations are Bank, St Paul’s, Blackfriars, Temple and Embankment but expect heavy foot traffic. Walking between nearby stations can be faster than waiting for congested platforms.
Accessibility: there are designated viewing points and arrangements for disabled access check the Show’s practicalities page for the latest information and stewarded areas.
Family-friendly: bring earplugs for small kids (bands can be loud), snacks and a brimmed hat for whatever the November weather throws at you. Many families bring foldable chairs and a thermos; pick a spot where you can get away if little ones need a break.
Practicalities & safety
The Show is free to watch, and the City organizes stewarding, first aid and crowd control across the route. Follow official stewards’ guidance and don’t cross barriers they’re there for everyone’s safety. If you’re photographing, be mindful of people around you; this is a parade about the City community, so respectful behavior is appreciated.
After the parade where to warm up and eat
The area around the South Bank and Fleet Street has plenty of cafés and restaurants; book if you want a sit-down meal after the procession. If you’re staying central, plan a late-breakfast or early lunch reservation venues near St Paul’s and the Strand are used to show crowds and often run special menus for parade day.
Final thought why it matters
This procession is more than spectacle: it’s a civic ritual that reaches back centuries and still manages to feel live and local. For first-timers it’s a brilliant way to see London’s history and community rolled into one loud, colourful day. And this year, with the City celebrating the Lady Mayor’s Show, it’s also a moment when tradition aligns with small but meaningful change.
If you want short, live updates on parade routes, the best photo spots and where the crowds are lightest on the day, I post real-time tips and photos on Instagram.
Follow @london.yaar for live notes, exact meet-ups, and the tiny hacks Londoners use to actually enjoy a big day like this.