Half a million people are expected to take to the streets of London for the 2011 Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday 12th November. The show marks the beginning of a new mayoral year and welcomes the 684th Lord Mayor of London with a colourful parade which passes through the traditional financial district of the City.

It’s worth staying overnight at one of the many hotels in London so you can enjoy the spectacular fireworks display which ends the day’s celebrations with over half a tonne of fireworks set off at 5pm over the River Thames from a barge moored between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges.

The day begins at 11am with an RAF fly-past and a riot of noise and colour as the procession, an annual tradition since 1215, sees 6,000 people, 150 horses, 20 marching bands, numerous floats and the magnificent gold State Coach carrying the Lord Mayor parade through the streets for three miles. The whole troop passes through the City, or Square Mile, travelling from Mansion House via St Paul ’s Cathedral to the Royal Courts of Justice where the Lord Mayor swears allegiance to The Queen in a ceremony steeped in tradition.

A huge diversity of people participate with more than 100 organisations taking part in the procession ranging from dance troupes like the London School of Samba, a Camden based community project, to business groups like the Mexico Chamber of Commerce. All three armed forces are also represented, adding to the pomp and sense of occasion with marching music from military bands including the well-known Band of the Grenadier Guards.

To find and book a cheap hotel in London close to the Lord Mayor’s Show go to LondonTown.com where you’ll find great deals on hotels as well as useful information on events, restaurants, sights and attractions all within walking distance of the procession and fireworks.

Via EPR Network
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