The Lord Mayor's Show is coming to town this weekend
This coming Saturday, 8th November 2014, one of London's favourite rituals returns to the capital for the 799th time. The Lord Mayor's Show is an ancient pageant in which the newly elected Lord Mayor is required to leave the City of London and travel up river to Westminster to pledge allegiance to the crown.These days, the pageant is a great excuse for a family day out in the capital but it hasn't always been a walk in the park. Quite literally in fact: the pageant's route has varied widely over the centuries until it was fixed in 1952. And the Lord Mayors have overcome more than their fair share of challenges to their journey to Westminster over the years as well; including two bouts of the plague, the great fire of London and the blitz.
Luckily there's no risk of these kinds of disruptions this Saturday with only the weather able to threaten what promises to be a wonderful day out in London. The day starts early with a river pageant kicking off at 08:30 and ends in the annual Lord Mayor's fireworks over the Thames at 17:15. Picnic planning is, therefore, essential. This collapsible cool basket comes in a nautical style, to help you get in the flotilla mood; whilst this folding tripod stool is sure to ease your aching feet on what promises to be a long day.'
Full details on the day's events ' as well as more fascinating history - can be found on the official Lord Mayor's Show website.'