Lord Mayor-Elect to Revive Historic Thames Barge Procession Before 811-Year-Old Lord Mayor's Show

Incoming Lord Mayor Bronek Masojada will revive the historic tradition of travelling by ceremonial barge on the River Thames before the annual Lord Mayor's Show on Saturday 14 November 2026. Masojada will depart Westminster at 8:30 am aboard the Royal Shallop "Jubilant," accompanied by his wife, the City Sheriffs and a flotilla of Livery boats, before disembarking at HMS President to join the main procession from the Mansion House through the Square Mile. The Lord Mayor's Show is 811 years old and will involve approximately 6,500 participants, 250 horses and more than 50 decorated floats along a 2.86-mile route. An estimated 350,000 spectators will line the route, with millions more watching via BBC One. Notable participants in this year's Show include the Grammy Award-winning South African dance group INALA, the US Navy Band and 450 RAF Air Cadets marking their 80th anniversary. The Royal Navy will provide a Guard of Honour and parade the King's Colour, as King Charles celebrates his 78th birthday on the same day. Masojada served as Sheriff in 2023/24, is Chair of the East End Community Foundation and retired as Chief Executive of Hiscox Ltd in 2021.