We spend our time all over London decorating and refurbishing commercial office spaces. This makes us very aware of the variety of working environments across the city. We’re experts in what makes a workspace work. But how about what makes Britain’s capital joyful and fun? Too often, associating the city with the daily grind can alter how the place is perceived. And the Lord Mayor’s Show is the perfect annual event to display what makes London great; whether your office is located here or not!
The History
The Lord Mayor’s Show in one guise or another has taken place for over 800 years. The procession derives from King John’s requirement that the Lord Mayor must travel to Westminster to swear allegiance. By the Tudor period, the Lord Mayor was seen as a national celebrity and the procession had taken on a celebratory carnival atmosphere. In more recent years, it is the history of the Lord Mayor’s show that defines its occasion. As a result, it has become a global tourist destination.
The Lord Mayor
King John, in 1215, created the office of Lord Mayor of London as an annually elected post. Of course, things at this time were all going wrong for King John. So the origins of the post are all tied in with the drawing up of the Magna Carta and the public liberties that were forged by this historic document. The post of Lord Mayor is still an annually elected post. Its role to represent and support businesses and residents in the City of London. Of course, the modern City now predominantly consists of financial services. This has evolved the Lord Mayor’s role into more of a global ambassador for City financial and professional services.
The Location
The wonderful thing about this event is that it takes place in the square mile: the hotbed of ‘business’ London. When around every corner streets are lined with commercial offices, the contrast of such a fun filled festival is eye catching! From Fleet Street to Bank, the procession and associated events provide a wonderful contrast to the surrounding offices. It may be that from Monday to Friday the city is seriously undertaking global business, but for one weekend at least carnival comes to town and this has a wonderfully inclusive effect on the buildings in the area.
The Procession
Kicking off from Mansion House at 11am, the procession travels along Cheapside and Fleet Street to return along the river from Temple Place at 1.10pm. Along the way, the Lord Mayor receives a blessing at St Paul’s to fulfil a bit of function amongst all the flamboyance. For 2018 the procession consists of nearly 150 representatives or floats, showing how valued the event is both as an entertainment and marketing tool. Towards the front, we always find Gog and Magog, the symbolic protectors of the City of London. The current representations are enormous wicker figures which are key attractions to spot!
The Festival
In 2018, for the first time in recent years, there will be no fireworks at the Lord Mayor’s Show. Instead, organisers have chosen to programme a family festival with some really special events on display! Around Paternoster Square and the Bloomberg Arcade an eclectic range of family friendly street entertainment, music, workshops and food offerings create a real festival spirit.
The Lord Mayor’s Show is one of those events that brings London together. So whether you commute from out of town or are resident in the city, it’s events like this that remind us what makes London great as a place to locate your office. And once you’re here, make sure to look after your office space with a comprehensive plan of office maintenance and decoration. That bit is certainly something we can help with!
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