The Fuellers, led by the Master and supported by his Wardens and Banner Bearer parading with the Modern Companies float.
The Lady Mayor's Show took place on Saturday 8 November 2025 as the 697th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, processed from Guildhall to the Royal Courts of Justice to take her oath of allegiance. A fantastic spectacle that winds its way from the City of London to the City of Westminster ... and back again!
Dame Susan, previously of the Aldgate ward is only the third woman to hold the post in over 800 years, and the first ever to be titled the ‘Lady Mayor of London’.
PM Carrie Marsh's account of the day:
The day began with members of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers gathering at Piccolo Café near Guildhall for the obligatory sausage sandwich, while watching the parade preparations. Our Master, Ashutosh Shastri, Senior Warden Louise Thompson and Junior Warden Tom James, accompanied by our Military Affiliates Liaison and banner-bearer for over 20 years, Dave Marsh, assembled in high spirits. This year the Master had instigated a WhatsApp group for all those attending, and it proved a superb tool not only for coordinating our presence in the parade but also for meeting up afterwards and sharing photos.
One of those moments, most spontaneous, happened even before the parade began. As they stood waiting and taking in the lively atmosphere, the State Band of India struck up a Bhangra rhythm. Without a hint of hesitation, and accompanied by Master Information Technologists Gus Muschado, our Master broke into an enthusiastic Bhangra dance that had everyone around him in high spirits, including all the Bhangra dancers who joined in. It was great fun to watch, entirely in the spirit of the day and, fortunately, captured on the WhatsApp, ensuring no one missed this wonderful moment!
At precisely 11 a.m. the procession set off from the official starting point. We were treated to a fly-over by a Catalina flying boat, which added a stirring aerial flourish to the start of the event. The day marked the first-ever use of the title “Lady Mayor’s Show” as the new office-holder, Dame Susan Langley DBE, took office as the 697th Lord Mayor, but the first Lady Mayor of the City of London Corporation, the first person to do so under that style in the city’s 800-year tradition.
The parade was truly a spectacle. I watched it all with my daughters from the sidelines: over 7,000 participants, around 250 horses and more than 50 decorated floats made their way from the Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice and back, stretching a route of some three miles. Along the way we noted the military bands, the colourful dancers, the Pearly Kings & Queens, and the fantastic diversity of costume and background from all corners of London and beyond. Among the entries were the restored Bluebird hydroplane carriage and a Drum & Bass marching band from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
As they marched, the cheers from the spectators were encouraging and happily the weather held dry. At St Paul’s Cathedral there was a blessing for the Lady Mayor, adding a contemplative moment amid the pageantry. During the lunch pause, some of our Fuellers families met up at one of the several Livery Halls inviting ticket holders for refreshment. My own family joined the Carmen at Stationers’ Hall, just around the corner, enjoying a table magician and plenty of familiar faces from the Fuellers too.
Once the second leg of the route was complete we regrouped as a troupe of Fuellers at a pub not far from where we began, also joining with Past Master Shravan Joshi resplendent with his new Top Hat, and his wife Mira. To our delight we also found the Carmen gathered outside. As Dave would say: a splendid day, and an excellent way to start the Lady Mayoress’s new year. If you didn’t make it this year, its well worth seeing if you can come and join in next year!
