Thousands watch historic Lord Mayor’s procession through the City of London

Crowds lined London’s Square Mile for the Lord Mayor’s Show, an annual procession blending marching bands, Pearly Kings and Queens, military displays and a robot. The event marked Alderman Bronek Masojada’s first appearance as the City of London’s new Lord Mayor, a ceremonial ambassadorial role distinct from that of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The three-mile route included more than 6,500 participants, 250 horses and over 50 decorated floats, travelling from Mansion House past St Paul’s Cathedral and Fleet Street before returning from Temple. The tradition dates back to 1215, when King John required each new office-holder to travel to Westminster to swear an oath of loyalty; Masojada is the 698th Lord Mayor.