Lord Mayor’s Show 2026: Saturday 14 November in the City of London
The Lord Mayor’s Show takes place on Saturday 14 November 2026, when the newly elected Lord Mayor of the City of London — the 698th to hold the office — travels in procession through the Square Mile. The event is free to watch from the street.
An 800-year tradition
The Show dates back to 1215, when King John’s charter allowed the City to elect its own mayor, on condition that the new mayor travelled to Westminster each year to swear loyalty to the Crown. That journey became the procession. This year also marks a century since the BBC first broadcast the Show, on radio in 1926.
What to expect
- A procession around three miles long with marching bands, military units, livery companies, charities, schools and City businesses.
- The Lord Mayor rides in the eighteenth-century State Coach.
- The procession leaves Mansion House in the morning, passes St Paul’s Cathedral and returns to Mansion House in the early afternoon.
Getting there
Roads in the City are closed to traffic on the day and buses are diverted, so the Tube, rail, river buses or walking are the best options. The stretch between Bank, Cheapside and St Paul’s gives the classic view. Check the official route map and timetable shortly before travelling, as details can change.
For more on London this season, see our guide to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Lord Mayor’s Show 2026?
Saturday 14 November 2026, in the City of London.
Is the Lord Mayor’s Show free?
Yes. Watching the procession from the street is free.
How old is the Lord Mayor’s Show?
It dates back to King John’s charter of 1215, which allowed the City of London to elect its own mayor.
Sources
Dates and details are taken from organisers’ published information and may change. Check official sites before travelling or booking.
