Lord Mayor’s Show 2026: Free Viewing Route and Times | Nov. 6 Update

Verified Nov. 6, 2026, at 9:06 a.m. in London, GMT (UTC+00:00; 09:06 UTC).

The Lord Mayor’s Show returns to the City of London on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. The free procession sets off from Mansion House at 11:00 a.m. London time, GMT (UTC+00:00; also 11:00 a.m. UTC). The City of London lists the event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The outward route runs through Cheapside and past St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Royal Courts of Justice; the procession then returns by the Victoria Embankment and Queen Victoria Street.

Choosing one viewing point is usually easier than trying to follow the parade. The route is about 2.86 miles, and the official timetable says the long procession can take more than an hour to pass any single spot. Bank and St. Paul’s draw the largest crowds; Fleet Street, the Embankment, and Queen Victoria Street offer alternatives, with the return leg beginning after 1:00 p.m. All times below are for London on Nov. 14: the UK will be on GMT (UTC+00:00), so London time and UTC are the same.

Destaques

• The free Lord Mayor’s Show is on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. GMT (UTC+00:00).
• The procession starts at Mansion House, heads via Cheapside and St. Paul’s to the Royal Courts of Justice, and returns along the Embankment and Queen Victoria Street.
• Bank and St. Paul’s are the busiest viewing areas; Fleet Street and the riverside return route may suit visitors seeking a less crowded spot.
• Road closures and bus diversions affect the City, so check the official map and TfL travel updates before leaving.

Where and when does the Lord Mayor’s Show start?

The City of London confirms that the 698th Lord Mayor, Bronek Masojada, will lead the 2026 event, which begins at Mansion House at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Attendance along the procession route is free. The City’s event listing gives the overall hours as 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. GMT. The procession travels to the Royal Courts of Justice, where the new Lord Mayor swears allegiance to the Crown, then returns to Mansion House.

London is on Greenwich Mean Time on Nov. 14. The UK clocks go back on Oct. 25, 2026, so the event’s stated 11:00 a.m. GMT start is 11:00 a.m. UTC, not 10:00 or 12:00 UTC. If you are comparing calendars set to another time zone, use Nov. 14 and the London GMT label to avoid a date or daylight-saving mix-up.

Which viewing spot fits your plans?

For the best-known starting atmosphere, choose Bank or the area by Mansion House. The leading band turns onto the route at 11:00 a.m., but these are among the show’s most crowded locations. The official timetable recommends reaching Bank by about 10:30 a.m.; its access guidance says front-row places along the first leg may be taken by around 10:00 a.m. Arrive earlier if you want a position at the barrier, and allow extra time to walk from the station because streets close to traffic.

St. Paul’s is a strong choice if you want to see the parade pass the cathedral and the Lord Mayor receive a blessing. The leading band is expected there at about 11:13 a.m.; the State Coach is scheduled to arrive at roughly 12:11 p.m. These are route estimates, not separate start times for the whole procession. The head of the parade may have moved on while many floats and participants are still approaching your location.

For a less concentrated crowd, the show’s access page suggests Fleet Street, the Victoria Embankment, and Queen Victoria Street. The leading band is expected at the Royal Courts of Justice around 11:26 a.m., while the State Coach arrives at about 12:31 p.m. and the final ash cart follows around 12:35 p.m. The outward route is busy throughout, so check the route map and pick a section with a clear approach and room to wait.

The return procession leaves Temple Place at about 1:10 p.m. The head is expected near Blackfriars Bridge around 1:18 p.m. and back at Mansion House around 1:33 p.m.; the last parts of the parade reach Mansion House shortly after 2:30 p.m. The riverside return is a practical option if you prefer to arrive later or want a more spread-out viewing area. The official access guide specifically suggests the Embankment around 1:00 p.m. for wheelchair users who want to avoid the busiest spots.

These are the official route timetable’s estimates for the parade head or State Coach. Because the full procession is long, expect to wait after the first band passes. Keep the entire group together and agree on a meeting point before the crowds build.

What road closures and access changes should visitors expect?

The Show’s current road-closure guidance says most City roads are expected to close to vehicles from about 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14; restrictions begin earlier, around 5:00 a.m. in the Bank area and midnight on Princes Street. Most roads are expected to reopen around 4:00 p.m. These are approximate times, and the organizer says details can change, so consult the current map before traveling. Cars cannot enter the secure City area during the event, and many parking bays are suspended from Friday afternoon. Buses that normally cross the City or run along the Embankment are diverted or turned back. The Show’s bus-diversion guidance says TfL’s detailed route notices are issued in the week before the event; check the TfL journey planner close to Saturday.

Public transport and walking are more practical than driving. The Show’s travel page lists rail, Underground, river bus, and walking approaches, while its accessibility guidance identifies City Thameslink and Farringdon as step-free stations close to the route and generally less busy than Bank or St. Paul’s. Do not assume you can cross the parade route once it is moving; use an underpass or arrive on the side of the road where you plan to stay.

Visitors seeking a reserved Blue Badge viewing area should check the current access page before traveling. The listed area is at Ludgate Street and Old Bailey, and it requires a B Pass; the usual application form is closed, although the organizer says last-minute exceptions may be possible. An official one-page map shows the route, closed area, landmarks, and public toilets. If you use a wheelchair or need a quiet position, the access guide recommends avoiding Bank and St. Paul’s and considering the Embankment during the return.

Can you watch the procession online?

The City of London’s 2026 event toolkit lists a live broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 10:45 a.m. GMT (UTC+00:00). That gives viewers at home a way to follow the procession before the 11:00 a.m. street start. Check the broadcaster’s listing nearer the date in case the schedule changes.

For current event details, use the City of London event page, the official route guide, and the Show’s timetable, access advice, and printable map. For the UK clock-change date, see GOV.UK’s clock-change guidance.

FAQ

Is the Lord Mayor’s Show free to watch?

Yes. Viewing from the public route is free; reserved accessible viewing areas may require a pass.

What time does the procession start?

It starts at 11:00 a.m. in London, GMT (UTC+00:00), on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. That is also 11:00 a.m. UTC.

Where is a quieter place to watch?

The official access guidance suggests Fleet Street, the Victoria Embankment, or Queen Victoria Street. The Embankment is useful for the return leg, which leaves Temple Place at about 1:10 p.m. GMT.