Lord Mayor’s Show 2026: date, route, times and where to watch for free

Updated 7 Nov 2026, 09:12 · First published 7 Nov 2026

The Lord Mayor’s Show returns to the City of London next Saturday, with the famous golden State Coach, marching bands and thousands of participants winding through the Square Mile – and it is free to watch.

Route and timings

The procession sets off from Mansion House at 11am and heads to the Royal Courts of Justice via St Paul’s, Cheapside and Fleet Street, where the new Lord Mayor swears allegiance to the Crown. It then returns along the Victoria Embankment and Queen Victoria Street.

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Best places to watch

For the morning procession, the stretch between Bank and St Paul’s is the busiest – get there early. For a calmer view, especially with children, head to the Victoria Embankment between Temple and Blackfriars for the return leg in the early afternoon.

Who is the new Lord Mayor?

Alderman Bronek Masojada, of the Billingsgate ward, becomes the 698th Lord Mayor of London. He officially takes office at the Silent Ceremony at Guildhall on Friday 13 November, the day before the Show.

Travel tip: with almost every road in the City closed, use the Tube. Bank, St Paul’s, Mansion House, Temple and Blackfriars are all close to the route – but check TfL first, as weekend closures and strikes may affect some lines.