| Where: | London at the Guildhall in the Great Hall |
| When: | Friday before the Lord Mayor's Show |
| Time: | Doors open 2pm, seating by 2.30 pm, Ceremony 3pm |
The Silent Ceremony is the occasion upon which the new Lord Mayor of London is sworn into office, and it takes place on the day before the Lord Mayor’s Show (which is usually second Saturday in November). As the name implies, the actions of all the participants are performed in total silence apart from the swearing of the oath. Expect a procession of richly dressed liverymen and officials, the removal of the outgoing Mayor’s tricorn hat and the donning of that of the new, and the presentation of the various symbols of office to the new Mayor. These include sceptre, sword and badges and all are offered with a bow from their respective officers. The party then leave, also in silence, and the new Mayor and family can move into the Mansion House for their term of office. Visitors are given an explanatory sheet detailing the various participants and actions of the ceremony, and there are large screens around the sides of the Great Hall giving a close-up view of all the action.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 it should be on Friday November 8th.
Some members of the public are admitted to the ceremony but must apply in advance (usually during August) for tickets as there are limited available places, allocated by ballot. It lasts approximately an hour and a half in total including guests being seated- the actual ceremony itself lasting around half an hour. Guests are given precise instructions on timings etc when tickets are allocated- and if at first you’re not given a ticket don’t give up as I was on a waiting list until just a week before the Ceremony but was lucky enough to get one!
Photography isn’t permitted in the Great Hall but there are opportunities on the Guildhall Yard following the Ceremony to see the new Mayor and all the dignitaries before they depart. Also the Lord Mayor’s Coach will be on display ready for the Show the next day- it’ll be in the glass sided building between the Guildhall and the church.
Click here for the City website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofLondonCorp
and here to apply for tickets: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/the-silent-ceremony
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