Lord Mayor revives Thames journey before 811-year-old Show

The incoming Lord Mayor of the City of London, Bronek Masojada, will revive a historic Thames tradition by travelling by ceremonial barge before joining the Lord Mayor's Show on Saturday 14 November. He will leave Westminster at 8.30am aboard the Royal Shallop "Jubilant", with his wife, the Sheriffs of the City of London and a flotilla of Livery boats. He will disembark at HMS President and then take his place in the procession through the Square Mile. The river journey recalls the route Lord Mayors once took to Westminster to swear loyalty to the Crown. The last Show flotilla was in 2017.

The procession leaves The Mansion House at 11am and runs 2.86 miles through the City to the Royal Courts of Justice, then returns. Around 6,500 participants, 250 horses and more than 50 decorated floats will take part. Over 350,000 people are expected along the route, and millions more will watch 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.

International performers include South African dance group INALA, a Polish folk band, German and Swiss bands and the US Navy Band. The Show is Alderman Masojada's first public engagement after taking office at the Silent Ceremony on Friday 13 November. Extensive road closures will be in place, and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.