Has anyone attended London's Lord Mayor parade and festivities and can comment on this? I am supposed to be back at work on Monday, November 16, and the parade/festivities will take place on Saturday, November 14. Given that this will be the 800 year anniversary of the celebration it will probably be extra special this year, but I am trying to decide whether it is worth staying in London for an extra day. The impact will be having to drag myself into the office on Monday after a long flight (typically 15 hours total) back to Seattle on Sunday.
Posted by
London
233 posts
As with everything, it depends on what you like and what's important to you. The Lord Mayor (not BoJo - he's a different mayor) will come and ceremonially open the parade, which consists of several Pearly Kings and Queens, a few people in costume, a couple of horse drawn carts, a marching band or two, and a bit of Morris dancing. It's good to see a bit of traditionally English East End culture, so if that's your thing, then stay the extra day.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33992 posts
The Rose Bowl Parade it isn't, but it is good fun in its own way. Often wet at that time of the year.
The floats aren't much but the spirit is there. Most of the livery companies will have floats, as will various charities and various military contingents.
I like to hang out around the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street - Bank, where plenty can be seen.
I don't usually make a special journey now like I used to, but if I'm in London anyway I usually tootle over and have a look.
It is on national TV every year, and I bet that some clips have made it to YouTube so you should be able to get an idea there....
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
The parade is a bit of fun, nothing too serious. If you're in the area with a hour to kill, I'd wander over for a look. Personally, I wouldn't stay the extra day.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Will the Lord Mayor be there in his Gold Coach? The golden one I saw in the Museum of London? Nice rig.
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
This parade is the one time each year that the Lord Mayor of London's State Coach is used, when not in use, it is kept in the Museum of London.
http://collections.museumoflondon.org.uk/Online/object.aspx?objectID=object-478907
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
More often than not, the weather is shocking, so you do not want to risk getting wet through just before you get on a flight. Watch the highlights online and get back home refreshed. It is a long parade that can get a bit monotonous.