108. Lord Mayor’s Show 2023 Reception and 2024 Launch, Mansion House, 31 January 2024


Andy Williamson and I were invited to attend the reception in the Mansion House for participants in the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Show, together with organisations which may wish to take part in November 2024.  Unfortunately Andy was unable to attend.

The Lord Mayor thanked all the organisations involved in ensuring the success of the event with 150 floats and 25,000 spectators.  He was particularly grateful to those responsible for security who checked and sealed 3500 manhole covers.  It was the only event on the day not visited by Extinction Rebellion.  Under the theme of “Connect to Prosper”, he was particularly pleased with the participation of other cities, including representatives from the Vatican City.  He observed that some participants were distributing business cards like machine guns.  It was the second best day of his life, after his wedding.


Alderman Alastair King DL then shared his ideas for the 2024 show and his plans for 2024/25.  He is very keen to involve young people in City events.

I was introduced to someone who was not a Master but knew all about our float.  She said that she loves magic and thought that our magic tap was inspirational.  She introduced herself as Florence Walker, Alastair King’s Consort.  She is on a very steep learning curve.  We wished her well and offered her all our support.



It was an enjoyable occasion, meeting up with other Livery Masters and representatives of City organisations including Rotary, who tried, again, to persuade me to join.

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