London - Annual Events guide

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Annual Events

Ceremonial events which occur annually.

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The Queen's Birthday Parade (2nd Week in June)

Perhaps the most spectacular ceremonial event in the capital's calendar and certainly the most stunning military pageant anywhere in the world. Also known as Trooping the Colour, it is performed by the Massed Bands and Troops of the Household Division (Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Irish Guards, Scots Guards and Welsh Guards together with the Household Cavalry) plus the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

The Knollys Red Rose Rent (24th June)

Sir Robert Knollys was a distinguished knight of the 14th century. However, his expertise on the battlefield was not matched by his knowledge of mediaeval planning laws! After constructing a bridge over Seething Lane without due permission, he was arrested.

Cart Marking (July or early August)

The Lord Mayor of London and members of the Worshipful Company of Carmen brand horse drawn, vintage and modern day vehicles in order to satisfy an Act of 1681 which prohibited more than 420 carts plying their trade in the streets of the capital.

Vintner's Procession (1st Thursday after 5th July)

Members of the Worshipful Company of Vintners march in a procession through the City of London. At the front of the procession, two men in white smocks and top hats sweep the street with twig-brooms.

Swan Upping (3rd Week in July)

Swan Upping is the annual census of the swan population on certain stretches of the River Thames. It is organised by The Queen's Swan Marker who has the responsibility of looking after The Queen's swans all year round.

Doggett's Coat and Badge Race (late July)

This, the oldest rowing race in the world first took place in 1715 to celebrate the coronation of George I and was devised by comic actor Thomas Doggett. It takes place over 4 miles 5 furlongs from London Bridge to Chelsea.

Last Night of the Proms (mid September)

The final evening of the largest music festival in the world, the Promenade Concerts. Many queue for days for tickets which will allow them to stand (or 'promenade') for this final concert, the second half of which always finishes with rousing patriotic songs such as Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Horseman's Sunday (3rd Sunday in September)

An utterly bizarre scene will present itself to the tourist walking through Hyde Park on this day! A vicar on horseback from the church of St. John & St. Michael blesses a hundred horses in the middle of the park.

Admission of Sheriffs (28th September or previous Friday)

The 105 livery companies of the City of London gather to elect two Sheriffs on Midsummer Day. A colourful procession wends its way from The Mansion House to the Guildhall with Masters of each company in fur trimmed gowns and Beadles (who look rather like Mr.

Election of the Lord Mayor (29th September)

Every year since 1546 the Lord Mayor of London has been elected at Guildhall by the ancient livery companies of London and ridden in state to his new hone, The Mansion House while the bells of the historic City churches ring out to welcome him.

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