I attended the Lord Mayor's Show this morning, enjoying the fine hospitality of the Ward of Cordwainer Club. The club had a stand in the churchyard of St. Mary Le Bow - one of London's very famous City churches. Despite the rain, which at times was bordering on torrential it was a splendid spectacle and a good vantage point to enjoy the eclectic sights, sounds, tradition and pageantry. A fine lunch in nearby Bread Street was a welcome respite from the inclement November weather. Spirits of course were buoyant and there was an infectious spirit of optimism and enjoyment from the many participants in the 'parade'.

I've tried to express some of the variation in the parade's character (in the selection of pictures below). The splendor of the Lord Mayor's coach is probably the most striking. I also really liked the float from the Lord's Taverners (a very important cricketing charity), the representation for London's vibrant Chinese community as well as the Company of Pikemen & Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company.

The new Lord Mayor of the City of London is Ian Luder. He is the 681st Lord Mayor, succeeding David Lewis.



The splendor of the Lord Mayor's coach.



The float of the Lord's Taverners.



Colourful representation from the Chinese community.



The Lord Mayor's ceremonial bodyguard.

Additional coverage from BBC News.

Additional pictures in my Flickr set of the 2008 Lord Mayor's Show.