3 November

Dame Susan Langley DBE is due to become the 697th Lord Mayor of London and the first to take the title of ‘Lady Mayor’

For the first time in its more than 800-year history, the City of London’s world-famous Lord Mayor’s Show will later this week become the Lady Mayor’s Show. 

Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE, elected last month as the 697th Lord Mayor of London, will succeed Alderman Alastair King DL. Born and raised in the East End of London, she becomes only the third woman in the City of London Corporation’s history to hold this ancient office and the first to take the title of ‘Lady Mayor.’  Dame Susan will formally take office on 7 November during the Silent Ceremony, followed the next day by her first public engagement in the Lady Mayor’s Show. 

To mark this historic milestone, 697 women associated with the City – including those from health, technology, defence, and livery sectors – will join the parade, reflecting Dame Susan’s position as the 697th Lord Mayor. Dame Susan Langley will champion a “Modern Mayoralty” – a long-term, strategic approach to ensure the office remains relevant and aligned with government and industry to drive prosperity.  

“It is a profound honour to be elected as Lady Mayor of the City of London. The Mayoralty plays a vital role in building relationships, convening leaders, and championing the UK’s financial and professional services at home and abroad in the face of increasing competition,” shared Lady Mayor Elect Dame Susan Langley DBE. “The City is a fantastic place to live and work and offers the expertise, the services and the infrastructure that companies need to do business. We are still the world’s leading financial centre but we must continue to innovate and look forward not back, to drive long-term prosperity for the UK economy. My priorities will be strengthening London’s global leadership, enhancing its reputation, driving business growth, and ensuring the City makes a positive social impact and attracts the talent that it needs.” 

Speaking about the historic event, she added: “I’m deeply honoured to have been elected to this office, and to be leading the first ever Lady Mayor’s Show. 

This extraordinary parade celebrates the City’s long-standing traditions and puts the spotlight on so many of the good causes that we support. To be part of this historic procession, riding through the streets of the Square Mile in the State Coach, and to enjoy the Show’s amazing atmosphere with everyone else, promises to be unforgettable. Please do come and join us it's free to watch!"

The Lady Mayor’s Show 

The Lady Mayor’s Show will take place on Saturday 8 November 2025, from 11am to approximately 2:30pm, starting from Mansion House and travelling through the City to Westminster.  

The procession – the world’s oldest, longest, and best-loved civic pageant – will feature more than 7,000 participants, 250 horses, and 50 decorated floats, with 350,000 spectators lining the streets and millions more watching live on BBC One and online. Highlights include: 

• Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, one of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, with an extraordinary career medal tally of 11 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze. 
• Sir Malcolm Campbell’s restored Bluebird hydroplane, accompanied by his daughter Gina and a newly composed march in its honour. 
• West Ham United Foundation, reflecting Dame Susan’s East End roots. 
• Guildhall School of Music & Drama students, performing in a groundbreaking Drum & Bass marching band. 
• The Crystal Coach, presented by the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers. 
• A horse-drawn bus from The Dames Commander Society, carrying distinguished Dames. 
• London’s Pearly Kings and Queens, celebrating the City’s heritage. 
• The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, resplendent in gold State Coats, continuing a 350-year tradition. 
• A full-size plane positioned outside Mansion House by the Mission Aviation Foundation. 

Click here for more details about the Lady Mayor’s show.