0:00:06 > 0:00:11There's an air of excitement in central London today
0:00:11 > 0:00:14as the capital prepares for a spectacular event and this big
0:00:18 > 0:00:23Grannies are going to be some of the stars.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25With over 140 floats plus 20 of the country's
0:00:25 > 0:00:27finest marching bands, it can only be one thing.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32It's the Lord Mayor's Show!
0:00:43 > 0:00:48Good morning, we are coming to you live from the heart
0:00:48 > 0:00:51of the capital waiting for the new Lord Mayor of London
0:00:51 > 0:00:57to arrive and take his place on the balcony of Mansion House.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00There are 6,500 participants in this year's procession but don't worry,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Sonali and I are on the ground to help guide you through this
0:01:03 > 0:01:10year's event and our commentary team are in a prime position to bring
0:01:10 > 0:01:16you in-depth coverage as the three-mile long parade passes by.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Well, it's my first time here and it's looking pretty
0:01:18 > 0:01:23impressive from up here.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25I'm pleased to be joined by ex-Marine JJ Chalmers
0:01:25 > 0:01:29in the commentary box.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33This is a combination, isn't it? It is a combination of history with a
0:01:33 > 0:01:37modern twist?Yes, charities are on parade and of course, there is the
0:01:37 > 0:01:41military. There is 1800 military personnel who will be passing
0:01:41 > 0:01:44through here marching to the beat of the drums. Some of the finest bands
0:01:44 > 0:01:50in the world including the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and it will
0:01:50 > 0:01:55be quite a show.You mentioned the military JJ and today's parade falls
0:01:55 > 0:02:01on 11th November and that is of course, of special significance, it
0:02:01 > 0:02:05is Armistice Day we take time to remember those who died this the
0:02:05 > 0:02:09many conflicts since 1914 and at 11am, before the Lord Mayor's parade
0:02:09 > 0:02:14gets underway, we are going to join the whole nation, all of us here, in
0:02:14 > 0:02:23remembrance as Britain pauses for a two minutes silence. And the lady
0:02:23 > 0:02:27mayoress is our first sight on parade. She is arriving on horse
0:02:27 > 0:02:32Back and that is the first time that has happened in over 30 years, but
0:02:32 > 0:02:36she is well qualified to do it. Not only is she a horsewoman herself,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40but she is a vet. So she has a personal connection with the
0:02:40 > 0:02:50animals.This year marks the 80th anniversary of the first BBC
0:02:50 > 0:02:56Broadcast from the Lord Mayor's Show, back in 1937 and not many
0:02:56 > 0:02:59people had televisions, and now it is broadcast to millions of people
0:02:59 > 0:03:06across the world. Sonali has been digging through the archives.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10The London skyline has changed dramatically over the past 80 years,
0:03:10 > 0:03:15yet with a carnival atmosphere mixed with a dash of eccentricity the Lord
0:03:15 > 0:03:19Mayor's Show has remained constant. Every year throngs of people have
0:03:19 > 0:03:23lined the streets to marvel a the parade passing by. Sometimes a
0:03:23 > 0:03:29famous face could be spotted in the crowd. In 1948, it was the actress
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Elizabeth Taylor. At just 16 years old, she was already an
0:03:32 > 0:03:38international star. Throughout the years the parade has featured many
0:03:38 > 0:03:44extraordinary sights. Some more weird than wonderful!It is straight
0:03:44 > 0:03:47out of a fairytale.A strong military presence has always been at
0:03:47 > 0:03:54the heart of the annual parade, reflecting its historic routes. With
0:03:54 > 0:03:581968, colour splashed on to our TV screens, bringing the military
0:03:58 > 0:04:01uniforms and vibrant costumes to life.A very colourful spectacle
0:04:01 > 0:04:06indeed.Always picking up on the mood of the times, moving from the
0:04:06 > 0:04:1060s to the 70s, space fever gripped the nation.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15The Lord Mayor's Show has always been a celebration that encapsulates
0:04:15 > 0:04:20the British spirit. A truly family affair with each
0:04:20 > 0:04:25generation bringing the next to witness the flamboyant displays and
0:04:25 > 0:04:28military precision waiting with bated breath to see what could
0:04:28 > 0:04:39possibly appear next. And there is our first sight of the
0:04:39 > 0:04:44gold Stagecoach. It weighs almost three tonnes. The new Lord Mayor
0:04:44 > 0:04:49Charles Bowman is just giving a wave to the crowd as he comes past.Yes,
0:04:49 > 0:04:54the coach cost over £1,000 at the time of building and in today's
0:04:54 > 0:04:58money that would be £120,000 which seems like a reasonable price, but
0:04:58 > 0:05:03if we tried to build one today, it would cost over £2 million.It is
0:05:03 > 0:05:07the oldest working ceremonial vehicle in the world. Quite
0:05:07 > 0:05:16something, it has been used at every show since 1757.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21The Lord Mayor as he arrives at Mansion House. Of course, this is
0:05:21 > 0:05:27only one part of his day. The day began early. He began it by boarding
0:05:27 > 0:05:33the Gloriana. He joined a flotilla of 25 boats travelling down the
0:05:33 > 0:05:39Thames through power bridge to HMS President where he disembarked. He
0:05:39 > 0:05:44climbed then into that gilded carriage used for the last 260 years
0:05:44 > 0:05:53to make his way there. In the past, JJ, the Lord Mayor went to
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Westminster, didn't he? He went by boat originally.Yes, the parade
0:05:57 > 0:06:02itself was a flotilla and one of the amazing facts and it shows the true
0:06:02 > 0:06:06history of this is we talk about floats and parades around the world,
0:06:06 > 0:06:15but it started here, the float from the flotilla.Many of the
0:06:15 > 0:06:17organisations who will will be parading today are celebrating
0:06:17 > 0:06:22something special. One of them the people's dispensary for sick animals
0:06:22 > 0:06:28is here to celebrate its 100th birthday in style. Over the last
0:06:28 > 0:06:31century the PDSA has famously cared for millions of animals across the
0:06:31 > 0:06:34country, but something that isn't as well-known is how they have been
0:06:34 > 0:06:43shining a light on hero animals.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47In 1917 Maria Dicken launched a small charity called the PDSA, its
0:06:47 > 0:06:50mission was to treat the sick animals of the poor without charge.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55From the very beginning, it was a great success. Yet stories of the
0:06:55 > 0:06:59animals heading into battle in World War I played heavily on Maria's
0:06:59 > 0:07:04mind. More than 16 million animals served alongside military personnel.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10Often giving their lives. Maria wanted this to be honoured. So, in
0:07:10 > 0:07:171943 during World War II, she created the Dicken medal, widely
0:07:17 > 0:07:22acknowledged as the Victoria Cross for animals. It is an award
0:07:22 > 0:07:26internationally recognised today. Since that time, have honoured 32
0:07:26 > 0:07:32pigeons, 31 dogs, four horses and one cat. Most recently our PDSA
0:07:32 > 0:07:40Order of Merit, the order equivalent of the OBE recognises animals who
0:07:40 > 0:07:46paid distinguished service to society. One of the first animal to
0:07:46 > 0:07:53say receive the award was Obe.He received the award after the Londis
0:07:53 > 0:07:58turbanses in London 2011. Obe suffered a fractured skull as a
0:07:58 > 0:08:04result of an object being thrown from the crowd. I have worked for
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Obe for six years. He has been a soul mate and a best mate for the
0:08:08 > 0:08:11time that we have been together and he will enjoy his retirement at home
0:08:11 > 0:08:21sunning himself in the garden. Sit.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Intrepid got his medal on the first night of the riots when he came
0:08:25 > 0:08:33under fire from missiles and had to deal with burning buildings and I'm
0:08:33 > 0:08:38looking forward to showing Intrepid off at the Lord Mayor's Show. He has
0:08:38 > 0:08:45worked hard for the past 11 years and he loves big occasions. It is
0:08:45 > 0:08:51the best job in the world working with these heroes.Incredible
0:08:51 > 0:08:58stories of animal bravery of the debt owed by humans to animals. And
0:08:58 > 0:09:03everyone is in place now. Everyone in place ready for the off, but
0:09:03 > 0:09:07before the off, there is going to be the inspection of the Guard of
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Honour. A lot of people have come pretty early in the morning for this
0:09:11 > 0:09:17and I have to say when we first arrived here, the weather was JJ,
0:09:17 > 0:09:21shall we say mixed?It was mixed, but it is beginning to clear and I
0:09:21 > 0:09:26think we'll, yeah, I think it will hold out for us.Now, thousands of
0:09:26 > 0:09:32people are taking part in the procession itself. All of them
0:09:32 > 0:09:38helping to make the event the fantastic spectacle that it is and
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Sonali and Sean are representing two people representing different
0:09:41 > 0:09:46organisations that offer support and inspiration to ex-service people.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51Yes, I'm with former corporal Stewart Robinson who represented the
0:09:51 > 0:09:56UK in wheelchair rugby at the Invictus Games. This is your first
0:09:56 > 0:10:01Lord Mayor's Show?Yes. From what I have seen so far, it is a
0:10:01 > 0:10:05prestigious and amazing occasion.It must mean so much more to you
0:10:05 > 0:10:11falling on Armistice Day today?On both counts we have got a massive
0:10:11 > 0:10:16prestigious event and it seems a be fitting tribute to the sacrifices
0:10:16 > 0:10:19that so many men and women have paid.You represented the country at
0:10:19 > 0:10:23the Invictus Games and I understand your next big game is Tokyo 2020 and
0:10:23 > 0:10:28the Paralympic Games?Yes, that's the plan. Fingers crossed it will go
0:10:28 > 0:10:33well. I am aiming to competing as much as I can and the gain goal is
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Tokyo 2020.The best of luck with that and enjoy the parade today. I'm
0:10:37 > 0:10:40with Charmaine. You are with the Chelsea Pensioners. What does it
0:10:40 > 0:10:46feel to be like to be part of the Lord Mayor's Show?Very privileged,
0:10:46 > 0:10:51I must admit, sir.And you have got a connection to it, haven't you?In
0:10:51 > 0:10:55what respect, sir?Something you have always wanted to be part of?
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Especially as a Chelsea pensioner. Today, of course, is Armistice Day,
0:10:59 > 0:11:03it is a day of remembrance, what does remembrance signify to you?
0:11:03 > 0:11:08Well, from all the years I was in the Army to those people that died,
0:11:08 > 0:11:13we are still here to represent them and we're very proud to represent
0:11:13 > 0:11:18the people that, you know, lost their lives and we as I say, we
0:11:18 > 0:11:23would never, we wouldn't be here today.Of course, it's a significant
0:11:23 > 0:11:27day. Very, a great day for celebration, but a very important
0:11:27 > 0:11:31day for remembrance?It certainly is, sir and we are all proud here as
0:11:31 > 0:11:36Chelsea Pensioners and we couldn't wish for a better place to live now.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39It's considered the best retirement home in the world.Thank you very
0:11:39 > 0:11:47much. And we're all proud to be there.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53So the Lord Mayor makes his way to the balcony and some waves for the
0:11:53 > 0:11:56crowd and some appreciation for the crowd as he makes his way there.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01This is a moment though JJ, where we do something slightly unusual
0:12:01 > 0:12:06because this is a moment, isn't it, where the mood changes toen extent?
0:12:06 > 0:12:11Yes, it is an incredibly poignant weekend for us and it is so poignant
0:12:11 > 0:12:15with Armistice falling today that a day of celebration for both
0:12:15 > 0:12:20charities, but including the military in particular, it is such
0:12:20 > 0:12:23an important occasion, but it is so right that we stop in what is a
0:12:23 > 0:12:26celebration and reflect and that makes it sop much more poignant in
0:12:26 > 0:12:31my opinion.Yes. And it's an opportunity also for everyone in
0:12:31 > 0:12:35this crowd to take part and that's the point, isn't it? It's not just
0:12:35 > 0:12:39the formal ceremonial and not just for the Lord Mayor and his guests,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43it is for everyone who is lining this parade route.It is one of the
0:12:43 > 0:12:47things I find so remarkable about this Square Mile of the city is that
0:12:47 > 0:12:50it is barely ever quiet particularly on a day like today, it's going to,
0:12:50 > 0:12:55the drums will bang and the bands will play, but then there will be
0:12:55 > 0:12:58the silence throughout it any moment now.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02And although it is a change of mood and although it is something that
0:13:02 > 0:13:07doesn't happen in every Lord Mayor's parade, actually, it fits rather
0:13:07 > 0:13:11well, doesn't it into the hole as we see the Lord Mayor arrive ready to
0:13:11 > 0:13:14take his seat, it's something that's a very natural part actually of
0:13:14 > 0:13:17what's going on around us particularly with all the military
0:13:17 > 0:13:22people here?Yes. There are 1800 military personnel on parade today.
0:13:22 > 0:13:28That's more than Trooping the Colour. This is truly, truly a
0:13:28 > 0:13:32military occasion, but it does party and join with the civilian
0:13:32 > 0:13:35population.
0:13:47 > 0:13:57MUSIC: THE LAST POST
0:18:34 > 0:18:40And now we await the instructions. Dominic Reid OBE has given his
0:18:40 > 0:18:45instruction and we are under way. This is it. The gun goes, nothing
0:18:45 > 0:18:49can stop this parade now. The streets that we can see behind us
0:18:49 > 0:18:54are just lined with individuals and floats that are ready. This is the
0:18:54 > 0:18:57bottleneck point where everybody comes together. And now this is it,
0:18:57 > 0:19:03we are off and running.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14No more rousing a way to get things going, is it?No, indeed, it's the
0:19:14 > 0:19:18Coldstream Guards who'll be leading out the parade at this point. One of
0:19:18 > 0:19:21the oldest military bands in the world. They have had continuous
0:19:21 > 0:19:26service for over 200 years. They'll be on parade again tomorrow at
0:19:26 > 0:19:32remembrance and cenotaph as well. One of the things that is really
0:19:32 > 0:19:39striking about that parade is, when we say oh, we really do mean it,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43don't we, 1650 it was formed.It makes it one of the oldest regiments
0:19:43 > 0:19:48in the world and that is it, you know, this parade is 802 years old!
0:19:48 > 0:19:53There are many, many countries in the world not that old, let alone
0:19:53 > 0:19:56parades.They started with drummers before they had an official band?
0:19:56 > 0:20:02Yes. Took them 100 years or so actually to get the official band
0:20:02 > 0:20:07together in 1785. They've been playing ever since then. Musical
0:20:07 > 0:20:12support for state ceremonial occasions. You can see them at
0:20:12 > 0:20:18Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, changing the guard ceremonies.One
0:20:18 > 0:20:26of the other things you can always expect from the Lord Mayor's show is
0:20:26 > 0:20:30animals, camels, horses, donkeys, the lot. We all know what a camel
0:20:30 > 0:20:35looks like, but cast your mind back 600 years ago for the people who
0:20:35 > 0:20:39lined the streets to see exotic animals, lions and elephants have
0:20:39 > 0:20:44been paraded here in the past.The camels have been brought in by the
0:20:44 > 0:20:48worshipful company of Grocers and they are here because they are the
0:20:48 > 0:20:53mother company of the new Lord Mayor. It's the first company that
0:20:53 > 0:20:59he joined and they were formed by members of the Gild who were
0:20:59 > 0:21:04responsible for ensuring the purity of spices. There we are seeing some
0:21:04 > 0:21:10spices to mark that heritage.Of course that would have been carried
0:21:10 > 0:21:15on the camel trains traditionally. That is why they've brought the
0:21:15 > 0:21:21camels with them, I guess.Behind the desert Oasis, we saw some ribbon
0:21:21 > 0:21:25dancers. Back to the military.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36Drum and Trumpet Corps. Playing their own tunes as they come past
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Mansion House. Some told us in advance what they're going to be,
0:21:40 > 0:21:49some haven't.There are the traditional protectors of the City
0:21:49 > 0:21:58of London, Gog & Magog. Put together a company.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Fell Isly Harding is with the Samaritans. You've got a particular
0:22:01 > 0:22:07connection with your charity and the Lord Mayor?I certainly have. The
0:22:07 > 0:22:13Lord Mayor's right there, lives next door to the church where my father
0:22:13 > 0:22:19founded the Samaritans. We used to stand on the roof with my three
0:22:19 > 0:22:24triplet brothers and watch the Lord Mayor's show every year as children.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29So really special to be here. And your father was the founder of the
0:22:29 > 0:22:35Samaritans?Yes.Amazing. What are you hoping to get out of today with
0:22:35 > 0:22:39your charity?Oh, well the Lord Mayor supports the Samaritans,
0:22:39 > 0:22:45well-being in the City. We want to make sure that nobody who rings has
0:22:45 > 0:22:51an engaged tone so lots of people supporting free call.OK, thank you,
0:22:51 > 0:22:58enjoy your day.Thank you, bye-bye! Charles Bowman, congratulations on
0:22:58 > 0:23:02becoming the 690th Lord Mayor of London. I understand this show has
0:23:02 > 0:23:07meant so much to you since a young age?Well, I'm thrilled, thrilled to
0:23:07 > 0:23:12be here and very, very excited and honoured about this incredible role,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15690th Lord Mayor of the City of London. You are right. As a
0:23:15 > 0:23:20seven-year-old, my father worked in the City. His father and my great
0:23:20 > 0:23:23grandfather too. I remember, as a seven-year-old, being brought to the
0:23:23 > 0:23:29City of London. He had an office on Cheapside and a view down all the
0:23:29 > 0:23:36way there and, as a seven-year-old, oh, my gosh, the colour, it was a
0:23:36 > 0:23:40wet day as it often is in November but it stuck out for me and it's
0:23:40 > 0:23:44part of the catalyst I suppose of why I'm here today.You have chosen
0:23:44 > 0:23:48a very busy, interesting time to become a global champion of this
0:23:48 > 0:23:53wonderful City with Brexit on the horizon. .Look, I say very
0:23:53 > 0:23:57honestly, I'm honoured and excited. But again in the spirit of honesty,
0:23:57 > 0:24:02a little daunted. We face challenges within our country and politically
0:24:02 > 0:24:06at this time. I am very enthusiastic, excited and honoured
0:24:06 > 0:24:12to be given the opportunity to lead this great City through this period.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16I can see how much you are enjoying being up here. What are you most
0:24:16 > 0:24:24looking forward to in this wonderful spectacle?It's 700,000 people,
0:24:24 > 0:24:28horses, camels, donkeys, other animals coming through. It's a great
0:24:28 > 0:24:31thrill that my wife and two daughters are riding this year,
0:24:31 > 0:24:41that's the first time that a lady mayoress will have ridden. It's a
0:24:41 > 0:24:44young person's show, so please, throughout the course of the show,
0:24:44 > 0:24:51we'll be using social media at Lord Mayor underscore show, so please
0:24:51 > 0:24:55everybody join me in that and tweet with me.Congratulations, thank you
0:24:55 > 0:25:00so much.Thank you very much indeed.
0:25:02 > 0:25:10On the subject of social media, we should say that we have our own
0:25:10 > 0:25:12e-mail:
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Please do get in touch with us. Messages perhaps for people who you
0:25:20 > 0:25:24know who're taking part in the show.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28It's the Royal Air Force that will be leading off the parade today. The
0:25:28 > 0:25:33military aspect is done in seniority and because this is the junior
0:25:33 > 0:25:36service, the RAF, but it's a very, very important year for them coming
0:25:36 > 0:25:42up. It will be their centenary next year, so they're led by the band of
0:25:42 > 0:25:49the Royal Air Force Regiment, the director of music is Flight
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Lieutenant Thomas Roder, he served for 14 and a half year, including in
0:25:52 > 0:25:56the Falkland Islands, as a doing handler, so it's a remind they're
0:25:56 > 0:26:01the bands are not just bandsmen and drummers, buglers, they are also
0:26:01 > 0:26:06serving soldiers ing airmen and marines as well.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16The Queen's squadron was born from the Royal Air Force with the
0:26:16 > 0:26:23centenary coming up in April 2018. They first flew to war back in 1914.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27The aircraft flew from Dover to France to be part of the First World
0:26:27 > 0:26:31War and it was the formative years when they were the core Flying Squad
0:26:31 > 0:26:38Rons back then. We caught sight of some air cadets
0:26:38 > 0:26:43there. That's the other feature of this, JJ, you have people who're
0:26:43 > 0:26:47regular soldiers here and you have people, as you say, who are serving
0:26:47 > 0:26:50abroad, who've recently served abroad. You've also got much younger
0:26:50 > 0:26:55people as well, much younger people who either want to be part of the
0:26:55 > 0:27:00services or who're in it part-time? You heard the Lord Mayor say this is
0:27:00 > 0:27:04a young person's parade as well so it's right that the Cadets are front
0:27:04 > 0:27:12and centre. I'm with Adam Layfield with the
0:27:12 > 0:27:16company of Leather Sellers. What is your connection to them?They've
0:27:16 > 0:27:22been supporting my boxing club in Edmonton, the 'Ingments, since it
0:27:22 > 0:27:27opened. -- the Eagles. It gives people like me an opportunity to be
0:27:27 > 0:27:32write am today.What do they do? They hold activities for kids, the
0:27:32 > 0:27:37youth, and they help us with the projects we are trying to build.
0:27:37 > 0:27:43What has boxing done for you?It's taught me discipline and respect.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Without boxing, I wouldn't be where I am today.There are some boxers in
0:27:47 > 0:27:50front of us. You are all looking pretty mean. You pack a mean punch
0:27:50 > 0:27:56don't you?Yes, yes.What do you make of today's occasion?The
0:27:56 > 0:28:02atmosphere's good, it brings people around and yeah, never been to
0:28:02 > 0:28:04something like this before so it's nice.Enjoy the day.Thank you very
0:28:04 > 0:28:05much.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19There, the air Cadets, as JJ was saying, the RAF and those who serve
0:28:19 > 0:28:25in the air side of our military. Very much prominent today and that,
0:28:25 > 0:28:29of course, JJ, is because next year is an important year for them?Yes,
0:28:29 > 0:28:36it will be the centenary next year, and they have everybody from
0:28:36 > 0:28:38serving, full-time regulars, reserves and Cadets being
0:28:38 > 0:28:44represented from there. I have found intrepid, the hero
0:28:44 > 0:28:51horse we met in the film earlier on in the show and Jan here is Director
0:28:51 > 0:28:55General of the PDSA. Emma told us how Intrepid loves a big occasion
0:28:55 > 0:29:00like this and look at him. He's an absolute star isn't he?Yes, he
0:29:00 > 0:29:03absolutely does, we are really proud to today be walking with the animals
0:29:03 > 0:29:06today and to be able the see the incredible bond that exists between
0:29:06 > 0:29:12animals and their owners. We see it every day in our hospitals in PDSA,
0:29:12 > 0:29:16the incredible bond between the owners and their pets. That's why
0:29:16 > 0:29:23PDSA exists, to keep them together as long as they possibly can. To see
0:29:23 > 0:29:28the sick and injured animals with their owners afterwards, is great.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32PDSA has such a rich history with the animal awards programme. We are
0:29:32 > 0:29:37celebrating 100 years of PDSA. It's brilliant. Our centenary year is
0:29:37 > 0:29:41coming up on November 17th and it's going to be fantastic.Happy 100th
0:29:41 > 0:29:47birthday. Lovely to see and meet Intrepid and see his medal as well
0:29:47 > 0:29:51well.Thank you.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01And to all, the Lord Mayor looks on, appreciatively. And they look
0:30:01 > 0:30:05appreciatively back and show their appreciation of him. It's a
0:30:05 > 0:30:08wonderful moment. Everyone who comes past the front of the Lord Mayor
0:30:08 > 0:30:12gets the opportunity to wave at him. Traditionally, the Lord Mayor waves
0:30:12 > 0:30:19back. The lady mayoress waving back. There is a connection between the
0:30:19 > 0:30:32people on the stand, isn't there and the people who march?
0:30:33 > 0:30:39AcceptYes, he shows the respect and gratitude that is afforded to him.
0:30:43 > 0:30:50His arm will tired from all the waving though!
0:30:50 > 0:30:55Many of the people on the balcony have risen to their feet because the
0:30:55 > 0:31:01Royal Hospital Chelsea are passing by on an open top. It is the first
0:31:01 > 0:31:07institution to rurchd the clock care to army veterans. It is the 325th
0:31:07 > 0:31:11anniversary this year. I love the stats I have got here. There is 21
0:31:11 > 0:31:19in total with an age of 1704! An average age of.81.That's the big
0:31:19 > 0:31:33stat, 1704?The oldest is 93 and the youngest a very young 68!
0:31:33 > 0:31:39Anyone who knows me will know I like to get my hands dirty. I haven't got
0:31:39 > 0:31:43my hands dirty, but I am busy. What's the thinking behind this?We
0:31:43 > 0:31:47need to let everyone know that the harsh environment we work in in
0:31:47 > 0:31:50town, we look after a lot of clients, but we want to get more
0:31:50 > 0:31:54flowers out and about in town and this really highlights what we are
0:31:54 > 0:31:58trying to do and create biodiversity because it is a harsh environment
0:31:58 > 0:32:02and if we can make somewhere nice for the wildlife and insects as well
0:32:02 > 0:32:07as us, it is a good thing for all. It is a lovely environment beside
0:32:07 > 0:32:12us. Your float looks fantastic. Is that a beehive?Yes, it is. It is a
0:32:12 > 0:32:17bit of fun as well, but what we are doing with the beehive, we put a lot
0:32:17 > 0:32:21of beehives out at our clients places throughout London. We've got
0:32:21 > 0:32:25five, Tenby hives in town. We have got a lot of beekeepers. A lot of
0:32:25 > 0:32:30the clients then get to keep the honey and give it out and really
0:32:30 > 0:32:33bees are hugely important for all of us. Without bees we wouldn't have
0:32:33 > 0:32:37any food. And we would really struggle to live. We really must
0:32:37 > 0:32:40encourage bees and by encouraging each other to have plants and
0:32:40 > 0:32:43flowers in the garden, flowering shrubs, it really makes a
0:32:43 > 0:32:48difference.No bees in there at the moment. We are going to hand these
0:32:48 > 0:33:06out, so let's get busy, shall we? You will have to make some more now!
0:33:41 > 0:33:45One of my favourite things about these big events is the superfan.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48It's fair, Karen, isn't it to call you a superfan of the Lord Mayor's
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Show?Yes, I think so. I first came when I was eight with a school
0:33:52 > 0:33:56friend and I have been trying to come every year or watch it on the
0:33:56 > 0:34:04TV ever since. I'm so excited to be in it now.It is your first year in
0:34:04 > 0:34:10it. Has it lived up to your expectations?It has. I think our
0:34:10 > 0:34:15float is just amazing. All our pubs are showing on it and everyone is
0:34:15 > 0:34:19excited on the float.It is nice being this side of the barriers this
0:34:19 > 0:34:22year?It is. You stand back there and you feel the excitement coming
0:34:22 > 0:34:27off it, but to be in it is a whole different game.Well, I will leave
0:34:27 > 0:34:37you to enjoy your time to shine. Thank you very much.
0:34:40 > 0:34:46It has superfans the Lord Mayor's Show and groupies I am sure. The
0:34:46 > 0:34:52mayor and mayoress are superfans as they get a proper greeting from the
0:34:52 > 0:35:01Green King stand. You get a real impression, don't
0:35:01 > 0:35:06you, as this float winds its way gradually down the road that
0:35:06 > 0:35:11actually this is quite a bottleneck, although, we have said this is the
0:35:11 > 0:35:14largest unrehearsed show in the world, there is an awful lot of
0:35:14 > 0:35:18organisation going on because without the organisation, this would
0:35:18 > 0:35:24be chaos.Well, it is planned with military precision! The
0:35:24 > 0:35:27pageantmaster Dominic Reid is the man that's behind it, but with a
0:35:27 > 0:35:30huge enormous team that work throughout the year and it is quite
0:35:30 > 0:35:34amazing because it is so creative, whilst being so, so organised and
0:35:34 > 0:35:40structured.And as we speak, coming into view, and walking down that
0:35:40 > 0:35:43road, The London Regiment and a reminder when you look at these
0:35:43 > 0:35:49people, who are not in anything like their dress gear, that this is a
0:35:49 > 0:35:54very real thing for a lot of the forces personnel here, they are
0:35:54 > 0:35:58parading today, but they are also and have also been very recently
0:35:58 > 0:36:03taking part in active service. Absolutely. You know, this is one
0:36:03 > 0:36:08of, this is the London Regiment and they are showing really, the
0:36:08 > 0:36:12multitude of weapon systems and different jobs that they would come
0:36:12 > 0:36:16up against and they are the only army reserve infantry based in
0:36:16 > 0:36:20London. It was raised back in 1804 and the other thing about the Lord
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Mayor's Show and its military tradition is back in the early part
0:36:24 > 0:36:29of last century, this was almost a recruiting drive, for the First
0:36:29 > 0:36:36World War in particular, many were Kitchener's Army that would join the
0:36:36 > 0:36:41parade out and off to war. Changed days, now, obviously, but we see
0:36:41 > 0:36:45them in their military finery, but also in their, you know, their field
0:36:45 > 0:36:52rig. As we look at the seventh battalion,
0:36:52 > 0:36:57the Rifles, closer to home they were volunteers for an operation in 2013.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00So people in the south and the south-west of England may have seen
0:37:00 > 0:37:05them at close quarters. They went there to help in areas affected by
0:37:05 > 0:37:11severe flooding. Yes, they have recently been
0:37:11 > 0:37:17deployed to Estonia which is part of Nato's enhanced forward presence
0:37:17 > 0:37:29there following the Russian annexation of the Crimea.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34You see all sorts of weird and wonderful things on the parade and I
0:37:34 > 0:37:40have hooked up with a bunch of sheep and Chris. Chris, why sheep?Well,
0:37:40 > 0:37:46they are warm and I'm the master and historically we go back to 1180, we
0:37:46 > 0:37:50set the rules and regulations for the wool trade and these days
0:37:50 > 0:37:54obviously that's slightly different, but today we are celebrating because
0:37:54 > 0:38:04the new Lord Mayor and lady mayoress is a wool man. We are here to
0:38:04 > 0:38:09support her. We've engaged some rather large sheep to enjoy the
0:38:09 > 0:38:17whole occasion.Well, looking back at the sheep there now.This the
0:38:17 > 0:38:21past master Bill Clarke, he organises the sheep drive over
0:38:21 > 0:38:27London Bridge and he is like a stick of rock with wool right through it.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30Wool played a really important historically, hasn't it, in this
0:38:30 > 0:38:37part of the world?Wool, when you go back into the medieval times, built
0:38:37 > 0:38:43our Navies, churches, armies and 90% of England's taxes came from wool.
0:38:43 > 0:38:50The wool farmers were the Googles and Apples of their day?They were
0:38:50 > 0:38:53and incredibly rich and wealthy people.I just want to look ahead
0:38:53 > 0:39:01because we have got some dancing sheep. What's that about?This is
0:39:01 > 0:39:07about the mythical. So we have, this is our like a Chinese dragon, but
0:39:07 > 0:39:11these are sheep dragons and that's to represent us and really to engage
0:39:11 > 0:39:17with the crowd. Now, over there, we have our Lord Mayor, the lady
0:39:17 > 0:39:23mayoress, she, as I mentioned earlier is a wool man and now, I
0:39:23 > 0:39:30have got to shout out all together. Three cheers for the Lord Mayor and
0:39:30 > 0:39:50the lady mayoress.Baa. Baa.Now, look at that. It's the worshipful
0:39:50 > 0:39:56Company of Paviors. You ought to be able to see behind there, their
0:39:56 > 0:40:00vintage steamroller and their trailer with a jazz band and walkers
0:40:00 > 0:40:05with the traditional inflatable pig! Yes, it wouldn't be the Lord Mayor's
0:40:05 > 0:40:11Show without an appearance from the famous inflatable pig!
0:40:11 > 0:40:16One of the amazing facts you learn from being part of this, the pigs
0:40:16 > 0:40:19used to roam the streets of London cleaning up the gutters and the
0:40:19 > 0:40:26sewers. It is just, it is crazy to believe.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Going fanning, it meant cleansing the prifies which was a profitable
0:40:30 > 0:40:34business we're told, but I can't imagine the conditions were much
0:40:34 > 0:40:42fun. Anyway, all much cleaner today.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45They're wending their way past Mansion House now.The streets are
0:40:45 > 0:40:48cleaner. It is quite interesting. They come out, they clean the
0:40:48 > 0:40:52streets and then just before the parade, they then bring out a
0:40:52 > 0:40:55gritting lorry which lays down the sand that you will see. So it's not
0:40:55 > 0:40:59that they haven't cleaned up, they lay down the sand because as we have
0:40:59 > 0:41:03seen there is so many animals and camels and donkeys and horses and it
0:41:03 > 0:41:14helps them provide some grip. Can you tell I'm with the doctors?
0:41:14 > 0:41:21I'm with Dr Tim Bake irwho is with the society that helped you train to
0:41:21 > 0:41:26become a medic?This year it is 400 years since we were given Royal
0:41:26 > 0:41:30Charter. We are in the show to celebrate that. The charitable
0:41:30 > 0:41:34sector, supported by Journey through school and medical school to become
0:41:34 > 0:41:40a doctor today.Even today, so you help each individual medical school,
0:41:40 > 0:41:44you help someone get through and qualify?We help medical students
0:41:44 > 0:41:53that are in need and for our 400th anniversary we set up a new bursary
0:41:53 > 0:41:56to allow medical students going to the developing world. All medical
0:41:56 > 0:42:00students can have a look and apply for one of our bursaries. We have
0:42:00 > 0:42:05got 25 to get out.Do you ever get the Dougie Houser comment?All the
0:42:05 > 0:42:12time.I'm glad it is not just me. What have you made of the parade.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16It's great fun and the rain has stopped which is even better when
0:42:16 > 0:42:18you're wearing this.Enjoy.Thank you very much.See you later,
0:42:18 > 0:42:26Dougie!
0:42:35 > 0:42:40Now the Royal British Legion band. There are individuals in this band
0:42:40 > 0:42:43which are ageing, an age range from nine years old up to the oldest of
0:42:43 > 0:42:4953. As we have already mentioned this is, of course, Armistice Day
0:42:49 > 0:42:53and the Royal British Legion, they are the nation's custodians of
0:42:53 > 0:42:58remembrance. They were formed in 1921 and they launched their first
0:42:58 > 0:43:06ever Poppy Appeal on 11th November that year.
0:43:06 > 0:43:11It is worth saying as well that the Festival of Remembrance tonight will
0:43:11 > 0:43:21be on BBC One at 9pm. So, a plug for that on BBC One later on today.
0:43:21 > 0:43:26Of course, quite a few of the people we're seeing here will be present at
0:43:26 > 0:43:33that festival. Not only in the crowd, but also those processing.It
0:43:33 > 0:43:37is a huge weekend for the military. I would love to know how much boot
0:43:37 > 0:43:43polish gets used in a weekend like this!
0:43:43 > 0:43:47The Eddie Stobbart lorry has gone, but if it brakes down, it's in good
0:43:47 > 0:43:55company because here is the Automobile Association. It looks to
0:43:55 > 0:43:59me as if yes, we have got some vintage vehicles there. That's what
0:43:59 > 0:44:02you would have summoned if you had called on help, I don't know, when
0:44:02 > 0:44:07would that have been? Back in the 1950s, I guess.
0:44:07 > 0:44:13And right in the front there, something that you might have called
0:44:13 > 0:44:19on precar.Yes, the AA has taken part in the show for 20 years and a
0:44:19 > 0:44:25big focus happening this year again on many of their members who have
0:44:25 > 0:44:29been former serving military themselves. A huge tradition from
0:44:29 > 0:44:33the First World War and through to today of employing service men and
0:44:33 > 0:44:42women within the AA. That, I think, is the oldest vehicle
0:44:42 > 0:44:48in the entry. It was built in 1904. Originally owned by a one-time Lady
0:44:48 > 0:44:54in Waiting to Queen maury who requested that picnic baskets be
0:44:54 > 0:45:06installed. Now some rather serious kit here.
0:45:06 > 0:45:13Yes, this is some of the heavy, but man packable to some degree. It is
0:45:13 > 0:45:16the multilaunch rocket system. It is an air defence system and now, some
0:45:16 > 0:45:22of our very advanced kit and equipment, the sort of bomb disposal
0:45:22 > 0:45:29and search robots.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33This is the City of London Engineer Regiment, their float representing
0:45:33 > 0:45:36the long history in London and elements of the regiment that have
0:45:36 > 0:45:41been involved in securing the City of London from the threat of
0:45:41 > 0:45:46unexploded ordinance all the way through since the Blitz.It's 150
0:45:46 > 0:45:53year history. The regiment's had 30 name changes. London's remained the
0:45:53 > 0:46:01constant throughout that for 104 years of that. They've got 50 people
0:46:01 > 0:46:06in the Middle East at the moment training out there.
0:46:10 > 0:46:15When I was a little boy, I was bought a remote control car for
0:46:15 > 0:46:20Christmas, it was the best present I ever had. My next guest is a very
0:46:20 > 0:46:26hi-tech remote control. Sir, what does this do?It's an alternative to
0:46:26 > 0:46:30the big one you can see on the back of the truck so we can take to it
0:46:30 > 0:46:34where we need it, rather than carrying a big vehicle around.What
0:46:34 > 0:46:40does it search out?It's a remote means of dealing with an IED so it
0:46:40 > 0:46:45has various cameras on there. This one's got a big silver thing that
0:46:45 > 0:46:50you can see and the one on the wagon's got a leaf blower so we can
0:46:50 > 0:46:53do multiple things in it.It's crucial work then, this is finding
0:46:53 > 0:46:57bombs that are going to really hurt and maim and kill some soldiers,
0:46:57 > 0:47:02this is the thing that saves their lives?Yes, it does, yes. You can do
0:47:02 > 0:47:06quite a lot of the task with just this robot.Can I have a go?Of
0:47:06 > 0:47:13course you can.I'll need to hand this over.Forward, left and back.
0:47:13 > 0:47:20OK, let's go. It's quite hard when you first get to use it but
0:47:20 > 0:47:26afterwards it becomes a lot easier. Once you get used to it, it's OK.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29I'm going to let that camera get in front.
0:47:32 > 0:47:37It's really, really hard, I have to say. I prefer the remote control car
0:47:37 > 0:47:40I had when I was a little boy. Thank you very much that was brilliant,
0:47:40 > 0:47:45thanks for letting me have a go.No problem.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49Sean tries but I've got to say, if it was me on the ground, I would
0:47:49 > 0:47:54rather it was the man that he was talking to that was driving it.I'm
0:47:54 > 0:47:57relieved he kept it pretty much on the roadway and didn't drive it
0:47:57 > 0:48:02straight into the crowd.I hate to imagine how much one of those things
0:48:02 > 0:48:12cost.Exactly.
0:48:26 > 0:48:31I'm making a point as we watch a cat on a sitting room scene and we were
0:48:31 > 0:48:35before that seeing a field hospital and we'll doubtless see all manner
0:48:35 > 0:48:40of other variations of human life. As you can see, inflatables galore
0:48:40 > 0:48:45and that's really part of the show isn't it?It's one of the most
0:48:45 > 0:48:49wonderful things, how it's all intersporesed, you could easily send
0:48:49 > 0:48:52the military through and send through the charities, but it's the
0:48:52 > 0:48:58fact that you go from seeing military hardware followed up by
0:48:58 > 0:49:02giant inflatables, it's just the atmosphere here, you know, you've
0:49:02 > 0:49:06got to come to the Lord Mayor's show. If you are watching, take a
0:49:06 > 0:49:09year out, come down and watch it. The atmosphere is just wonderful
0:49:09 > 0:49:20here.The household troops band of the Salvation Army playing Montreal
0:49:20 > 0:49:24Citadel led by Carl Saunders.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41This morning, a mum tweeted med saying she was too poorly to come to
0:49:41 > 0:49:46the parade today but go and see her daughter at the girl guides. Your
0:49:46 > 0:49:50wish is my command, they are parading beautifully and Amy is a
0:49:50 > 0:49:53Girl Guide leader, you have been involved with them since a young
0:49:53 > 0:50:00age?Since? Since five but before then also.What difference has it
0:50:00 > 0:50:04made to your life?It's really helped grow confidence in girls and
0:50:04 > 0:50:08I can see other girls as well, and it's helped shape my future as a
0:50:08 > 0:50:13teacher. I chose special needs because of some of the tuns I'd had
0:50:13 > 0:50:19with Girl Guiding.I was a guide more than 20 years ago, you are one
0:50:19 > 0:50:26in 2017. What do you get up to now? We get up to lots of different
0:50:26 > 0:50:32activities that we wouldn't be able to do anywhere else.Like this.Like
0:50:32 > 0:50:38this, yes.And we can run around camps.It's all about empowering
0:50:38 > 0:50:43women isn't it?Yes and empowering them to have the confidence and to
0:50:43 > 0:50:47give them skills to take into the modern world.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51I didn't do too badly. Thank you very much. Enjoy!Thank you very
0:50:51 > 0:50:52much.
0:50:58 > 0:51:05Fantastic. If you are joining us, you are just watching of course, the
0:51:05 > 0:51:10Lord Mayor's Parade, winding through the City of London through the
0:51:10 > 0:51:13ancient narrow streets. It's an extraordinary feat that they manage
0:51:13 > 0:51:18it, it's, as we have said right at the start, an unrehearsed show, the
0:51:18 > 0:51:21largest unrehearsed show in the world but it's also well organised
0:51:21 > 0:51:26and has to be because otherwise you would have articulated lorries, you
0:51:26 > 0:51:32would have people, you would have inflatables of various sorts jammed
0:51:32 > 0:51:37in these streets. That is not JJ, what you want.No, that doesn't keep
0:51:37 > 0:51:40London running. There are 6,500 people here today and every one of
0:51:40 > 0:51:44them will leave with a certificate and get a packed lunch down at the
0:51:44 > 0:51:50other end. It's made by the likes of the Girl Guides. To keep them moving
0:51:50 > 0:51:56and fed, it's a tremendous piece of logistics that quite frankly that's
0:51:56 > 0:52:01what London does. It's right that London can stop, close the streets
0:52:01 > 0:52:05to put something like this on.All of it to celebrate the fact that we
0:52:05 > 0:52:11have a new Lord Mayor. And he takes that job, there he is, Charles
0:52:11 > 0:52:15Bowman, takes that job for a year, he comes to the job with various
0:52:15 > 0:52:21things he wants to do. Charles Bowman wants to improve the image of
0:52:21 > 0:52:24business generally around the country. He'll be travelling around
0:52:24 > 0:52:29the country and also abroad and there are representatives of foreign
0:52:29 > 0:52:36banks and others based here who're also very much part of this parade.
0:52:36 > 0:52:41Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office just one of them. It's not just
0:52:41 > 0:52:47London centric. We have floats from Yorkshire and from all over the
0:52:47 > 0:52:53world. You get a real sense of the scale of it all as these floats pass
0:52:53 > 0:53:00the crowd. Look at the size of that robot, I hope Sean isn't controlling
0:53:00 > 0:53:05that one at this point!Please, no. The City of London Corporation -
0:53:05 > 0:53:09Cleansing. The point of that robot is, if you look really closely, I
0:53:09 > 0:53:13don't know if you can see, it's made out of wheelie bins, the whole
0:53:13 > 0:53:19thing. Four metres tall I should think. Let's hope they're screwed
0:53:19 > 0:53:23together properly. It's quite a work of art.
0:53:28 > 0:53:37Has it comes towards us, the point of it is that the City of London
0:53:37 > 0:53:41Corporation - Cleansing - those people are part of the task, part of
0:53:41 > 0:53:49the team that keeps this place as clean as it is. If you can see
0:53:49 > 0:54:00behind them as well, other things made out of cans and plastics, all
0:54:00 > 0:54:03to do with the anti-littering message. It's a special day for
0:54:03 > 0:54:07everyone. For some, it's even more special than others. It's your
0:54:07 > 0:54:15birthday isn't it?Yes, 16th birthday.16 today, happy birthday.
0:54:15 > 0:54:19As an army Cadet you have to train for all sorts of things don't you
0:54:19 > 0:54:25but you have also been a hero?Yes, there was a situation in which I had
0:54:25 > 0:54:29to save somebody's life and do CPR. It was a really good experience, I
0:54:29 > 0:54:33helped out somebody in the community. After that, I felt better
0:54:33 > 0:54:38preserving life. It was the youth techniques I've learnt from school
0:54:38 > 0:54:42and the army Cadets. I've had a lot of people to help me over the time
0:54:42 > 0:54:49I've done it in, people in my attachment. It's a really happy
0:54:49 > 0:54:53experience saving someone's life. Did you get an award for it?I've
0:54:53 > 0:54:58been put down for two awards, one through the Army Cadets and
0:54:58 > 0:55:02hopefully I'll get that next March. What a way to celebrate here and
0:55:02 > 0:55:08your birthday. This is a gin birthday party for you! Thank you.
0:55:08 > 0:55:14What a remarkable young man. I mean, utterly incredible. Myself, I was a
0:55:14 > 0:55:19Royal Marine Cadet and yes it led to me joining the marines myself but if
0:55:19 > 0:55:25I'd only just had my experience, the confidence and skills it gave me
0:55:25 > 0:55:28would have steadied me extremely well in life and he's a testament to
0:55:28 > 0:55:30the work of the Cadets.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41All of this being enjoyed by lots of ages, lots of children here taking
0:55:41 > 0:55:46part in the parade, but also a range of ages watching it and enjoying the
0:55:46 > 0:55:54floats as they come past. Plenty of those floats representing not only
0:55:54 > 0:55:59people, organisations based here in the City of London, but also those
0:55:59 > 0:56:02from around the world.
0:56:06 > 0:56:12This is the Royal Yeomanry founded in 1967, so very much one of the
0:56:12 > 0:56:17younger military groups here, the amalgamation of several historic
0:56:17 > 0:56:24cavalry regiments, those dated back an awful long way to 1794, but the
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Yeomanry themselves recently formed. Yes. They brought some hardware with
0:56:27 > 0:56:31them.
0:56:34 > 0:56:40That was in service in the 60s. They've brought with them also a
0:56:40 > 0:56:46Land Rover stripped back and the weapons platform is added on, giving
0:56:46 > 0:56:50them the ability to add weapons on the ground to support troops as they
0:56:50 > 0:56:57move forward.The second of the two Saracen vehicles you would have seen
0:56:57 > 0:57:00in Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles. It's not really a
0:57:00 > 0:57:03vintage vehicle is it, but it's a vehicle that's not in service any
0:57:03 > 0:57:08more.
0:57:14 > 0:57:18I'm with Commondant Phillipa and the first-aid nursing Yeomanry. Tell us
0:57:18 > 0:57:26about the role you play in London's emergency response?Well, we are an
0:57:26 > 0:57:31old unit that were set up in 1907, an all-female volunteer
0:57:31 > 0:57:39organisation, and we support civil and military authorities. And this
0:57:39 > 0:57:45year, we've given I think over 5,000 hours of support to 150 members,
0:57:45 > 0:57:50including helping out with the tragic terrorist incidents in London
0:57:50 > 0:57:53and Manchester and Grenfell Tower. So you are really an essential part
0:57:53 > 0:57:56of that response. Second lieutenant Zoe Brookes here joined two years
0:57:56 > 0:58:02ago because you found out that a member of your family had a personal
0:58:02 > 0:58:08connection to the Fannies as you call yourself?That's right. My aunt
0:58:08 > 0:58:14couldn't stay at home, she went to France. Via Spain then to England,
0:58:14 > 0:58:19she joined the SOE and parachuted back into occupied France. She was
0:58:19 > 0:58:24executed there as she went back there. I met her at plaque unveiling
0:58:24 > 0:58:29and was encouraged to join and here I am.You are parading with your
0:58:29 > 0:58:33great aunt in mind?That's right. Today would have been her 100th
0:58:33 > 0:58:37birthday so it's amazing to be here with all of these women, this is the
0:58:37 > 0:58:41best legacy I could have asked for, it's really positive.Gosh that's
0:58:41 > 0:58:45worked out so well. Enjoy the day. Thank you very much.It was really
0:58:45 > 0:58:49nice to see those pictures of your aunt as well.
0:58:53 > 0:58:57London's had a tough year but it's thanks to individuals like that and
0:58:57 > 0:59:00the incredible emergency services that have put on such a thing.
0:59:00 > 0:59:07Myself who has suffered trauma in Afghanistan can tell you that the
0:59:07 > 0:59:11work which military surgeons and also NHS surgeons do is utterly
0:59:11 > 0:59:15incredible and not just life-saving but in so many ways life-changing
0:59:15 > 0:59:19too.
0:59:22 > 0:59:31This Battalion marked its 50th anniversary this year. It's the
0:59:31 > 0:59:40Milita Intelligence Battalion and they are have that status which was
0:59:40 > 0:59:45give tonne them by the previous Lord Mayor. -- give tonne them by the
0:59:45 > 0:59:47previous Lord Mayor.
0:59:52 > 0:59:58Privileged status as sort of the military groupings equivalent of the
0:59:58 > 1:00:03freedom of the City effectively, allowing them to enter the City with
1:00:03 > 1:00:17the bay boyonets and drums. Keep your messages coming in, by the way.
1:00:19 > 1:00:23Perhaps you know someone who is taking part and want to send them a
1:00:23 > 1:00:27message. Whatever you want to say, do get in touch.
1:00:46 > 1:00:51Bugles and drums playing The scam shamrock as they march through
1:00:51 > 1:00:53Mansion House.
1:01:01 > 1:01:05They have made their way from Dusseldorf, Germany, showing this is
1:01:05 > 1:01:11just so much more than just Britain on show and London on show.It is an
1:01:11 > 1:01:15important point that, isn't it? We have people here being watched by an
1:01:15 > 1:01:21attentive crowd and by the Lord Mayor and the lady mayoress who have
1:01:21 > 1:01:26come just not from London, not just other parts of the country, but from
1:01:26 > 1:01:34the outside world as well. It feels like I have seen everything
1:01:34 > 1:01:38at the Lord Mayor's Show, but I haven't seen anything as colourful
1:01:38 > 1:01:44as these guys. You are getting a great reaction from the crowd.This
1:01:44 > 1:01:48makes a change from wearing a suit every day.You are a solicitor! Can
1:01:48 > 1:01:53you get away with this?Well, it is nice to get solicitors together from
1:01:53 > 1:01:59time to time and wear something different and show that solicitors
1:01:59 > 1:02:05are more fun than writing forms every day.It has got you together
1:02:05 > 1:02:10with other solicitors?Yes. It is nice to get together and show we are
1:02:10 > 1:02:15friendly as well.What about the other solicitors you're against?
1:02:15 > 1:02:19Have any recognised you on the TV?A couple of years ago I was having a
1:02:19 > 1:02:22detailed conversation on the phone, at the end of the conversation they
1:02:22 > 1:02:26said, "Have I seen you on the television looking dressed up as
1:02:26 > 1:02:31something in London?" I was like oh dear, my credibility has gone!You
1:02:31 > 1:02:35can guarantee he wasn't having as much fun as you.Absolutely.You
1:02:35 > 1:02:45will have a lot of fun today. Thank you very much, enjoy yourself.
1:02:51 > 1:02:56Now, this is a good enough college. It is a long-standing connection to
1:02:56 > 1:03:01the office of the Lord Mayor. Had a campus that was expanded after the
1:03:01 > 1:03:05Second World War, thanks in part to the Lord Mayor's national Northern
1:03:05 > 1:03:09Banks giving fund and you can see the walkers in international
1:03:09 > 1:03:17dressing gowns. They represent the nationalities of their regiments, it
1:03:17 > 1:03:21is residents, I have got regiments on the brain, but that's your
1:03:21 > 1:03:30business, JJ, not mine!
1:03:38 > 1:03:43Well, it's actually in Lord Mayor's years past, the weather se pretty
1:03:43 > 1:03:47good for a Lord Mayor's Show I would say. The weather is holding off but
1:03:47 > 1:03:50as we always say, it never dampens the spirits of people here and every
1:03:50 > 1:03:53so often I have to take my head phones off just to get the full
1:03:53 > 1:03:57atmosphere. The sound of the drums just echoing off the buildings
1:03:57 > 1:04:03around us. It's just tremendous.We saw there, just passed, or they have
1:04:03 > 1:04:06just passed us Epping Forest being celebrated. Epping Forest, it's a
1:04:06 > 1:04:10really important open space in London. Not a space that you
1:04:10 > 1:04:14necessarily come to if you come to visit London, but it does actually
1:04:14 > 1:04:18attract a lot of visitors, 4.2 million visits a year and they are
1:04:18 > 1:04:23very proud of it and they are very happy to be here. One million trees
1:04:23 > 1:04:31in Epping Forest. Ah, Captain America and his son are
1:04:31 > 1:04:37here keeping us safe!And their many friends.
1:04:37 > 1:04:48Now, this is the first Hook Scout and Guide Band. They performed in
1:04:48 > 1:04:53the Paralympics in London in 2012. No strangers to large events in
1:04:53 > 1:04:59London then. And they are a relatively ancient,
1:04:59 > 1:05:06inasmuch as they were founded back in the 1930s. I suppose it doesn't
1:05:06 > 1:05:09really compare with plenty of the regiments that we have seen, but
1:05:09 > 1:05:13it's something. Back to inflatables now.An
1:05:13 > 1:05:24inflatable rib of beef! It must be the Company of Butchers,
1:05:24 > 1:05:32of course! We've got a pig's head as well.
1:05:32 > 1:05:40Yes.Every aspect of pigs, haven't we? Somewhere down there as well,
1:05:40 > 1:05:46there is Corporal Jones. That's Corporal Jones' vehicle. One of the
1:05:46 > 1:05:49things they're celebrating is Corporal Jones, the loved character
1:05:49 > 1:05:55from Dad's Army, they have got 11 lookalikes dressed and look like
1:05:55 > 1:06:00other characters from Dad's Army. It is a refurbished butcher's van from
1:06:00 > 1:06:05the 1930s. It is the kind of van that Corporal Jones in Dad's Army
1:06:05 > 1:06:16would have driven.
1:06:18 > 1:06:23I'm glad they made it with their inflatable beef too. We were
1:06:23 > 1:06:28reliably informed if the weather was too windy they might not be able to
1:06:28 > 1:06:33parade the beef.It has been held up by eight butchers. Maybe they would
1:06:33 > 1:06:40need eight butchers.She is not sure it's going to stay in place, is she?
1:06:40 > 1:06:44We are at the stage now with the senior service, the Air Force, the
1:06:44 > 1:06:48junior service have been through the army and now the Navy. This is the
1:06:48 > 1:06:53band of her majesty's Royal Marines, the greatest military band in the
1:06:53 > 1:07:08world playing. Then we have individuals from the 43 Commando,
1:07:08 > 1:07:14Fleet Protection Group. O squadron, it is a squadron I served in Belize
1:07:14 > 1:07:23with. They will be taking part in ceremonies throughout the week. They
1:07:23 > 1:07:27are based up in Faslane.What does it mean to them to be doing this
1:07:27 > 1:07:31today?It is incredible. The Lord Mayor's Show is an amazing occasion
1:07:31 > 1:07:34to be part of. It is such a celebration of so many things and so
1:07:34 > 1:07:39many things military in that sense. But it falls on this Armistice Day.
1:07:39 > 1:07:42It falls on remembrance. So throughout this weekend, there is
1:07:42 > 1:07:51also this huge point of reflection and as much effort as it is to get
1:07:51 > 1:07:54your uniform looking crisp, you are so happy to did it and so honoured,
1:07:54 > 1:07:58because you are doing it to represent those who cannot be here,
1:07:58 > 1:08:08who have fallen in service and those that came before us.
1:08:12 > 1:08:20The Royal Marines were formed only about half a mile from here back on
1:08:20 > 1:08:2928th October 1664. We have recently celebrated our birthday.And behind
1:08:29 > 1:08:34them, the Royal Navy Reserve from HMS President. They have got a
1:08:34 > 1:08:37marching detachment and somewhere in there as well, they are pulling a
1:08:37 > 1:08:41field gun. Yes, the field gun at the rear there
1:08:41 > 1:08:49and the Lord Mayor himself was at HMS President today.
1:08:49 > 1:08:55Now this sight here, as you see, two young Commando recruits who are
1:08:55 > 1:08:59carrying each other in a fireman's carrier around the three-and-a-half
1:08:59 > 1:09:03mile around the route. That is going to be tough work let me assure you
1:09:03 > 1:09:09that. Those guys are carrying at least 32lbs of kit on their back.
1:09:09 > 1:09:13They will be taking it in turns, but that's a strong, strong shout.
1:09:13 > 1:09:16Although they are smiling and running now, my goodness, that's
1:09:16 > 1:09:19showing off a bit, although they are smiling and running, they are making
1:09:19 > 1:09:23a point which quite a few of the military paraders have been making.
1:09:23 > 1:09:27That is that, they are doing some pretty serious stuff and if people
1:09:27 > 1:09:30are thinking of coming and joining them as you were mentioning earlier
1:09:30 > 1:09:33on during the First World War, people actually got into step with
1:09:33 > 1:09:38them, didn't they and left and joined straight after.That was it,
1:09:38 > 1:09:42it was Kitchener's Army. You could join the rear of the parade and off
1:09:42 > 1:09:52you went to war effectively.
1:10:00 > 1:10:04The troops of the Royal Marine reserves City of London there. I
1:10:04 > 1:10:10served in the Royal Marine reserve myself. You wear the same green
1:10:10 > 1:10:19beret as your counterparts going through the same Commando course. I
1:10:19 > 1:10:27did a spell in America and they are in the same green beret.
1:10:27 > 1:10:30And there, of course -- they have historical links with the City of
1:10:30 > 1:10:32London. They have had the links through the whole of the last
1:10:32 > 1:10:36century. HMS President is an operational Royal Navy verve unit
1:10:36 > 1:10:40based on the River Thames in the Borough of Tower Hamlets. Very, very
1:10:40 > 1:10:48close to here.Well, this is truly a Lord Mayor's Show sight as we see
1:10:48 > 1:10:53grannies on electrical trolleys I would say!Yes, grannies on
1:10:53 > 1:10:57trolleys! Yes, this is welcome to Yorkshire
1:10:57 > 1:11:02and again it shows that this is not just about the City of London, they
1:11:02 > 1:11:06travelled down from Yorkshire to be part of the parade.Do we know what
1:11:06 > 1:11:10grannies on trolleys have to do with Yorkshire?Someone asked and I
1:11:10 > 1:11:15believe they said it's just a bit of fun! When I think of Yorkshire, it's
1:11:15 > 1:11:19not the first thing that springs to mind.But it will be now! That's the
1:11:19 > 1:11:29point, I guess and that's the point of this parade, I guess.
1:11:29 > 1:11:33And again you have this extraordinary position, you have the
1:11:33 > 1:11:36grannies on their Segways, if indeed they were Segways and then you have
1:11:36 > 1:11:39another military band and then you have a range of ages as well as we
1:11:39 > 1:11:43can see there and so many, it has been really striking to me the youth
1:11:43 > 1:11:48of so many of those marching and particularly the youth of those
1:11:48 > 1:11:55marching in military formation. Yes, it's a tremendous thing the
1:11:55 > 1:11:58cadet movement, the Sea Cadets, the air cadets and the Army cadets. It
1:11:58 > 1:12:02is similar to that of the Girl Guides or the Boy Scouts, but it is
1:12:02 > 1:12:05engrained in a military tradition. It teaches discipline and skills,
1:12:05 > 1:12:09and gives you so much confidence to come out here and parade on these
1:12:09 > 1:12:13streets and keep in time and wave to the Lord Mayor. It's tremendous.And
1:12:13 > 1:12:18also JJ, to have the Lord Mayor wave back and to have the appreciation of
1:12:18 > 1:12:23him, of these dignitaries and of this huge crowd as well. Something
1:12:23 > 1:12:26that an awful lot, particularly of the younger people here just won't
1:12:26 > 1:12:35have experienced before.Another sight you don't see every day in
1:12:35 > 1:12:42London - a combine harvester making its way through the streets!
1:12:42 > 1:12:48Once a year is when you see it and only in these streets when something
1:12:48 > 1:12:58has gone horribly wrong. Yes, a combine harvester.The Worshipful
1:12:58 > 1:13:07Company of Farmers.
1:13:15 > 1:13:18We were talking about the military vehicles and actually the damage
1:13:18 > 1:13:23they would do to the streets if they were able to parade fully. We saw
1:13:23 > 1:13:28some vehicles earlier on that were on flatbeds, you don't drive a tank
1:13:28 > 1:13:32down here and use the street later on in the day.But you can drive a
1:13:32 > 1:13:36combine harvester, but the front of it has been taken off because I
1:13:36 > 1:13:39don't think the streets would be wide enough for a full combine
1:13:39 > 1:13:46harvester! And of course pandas representing
1:13:46 > 1:14:00the fact that this is reflecting all over the world.
1:14:00 > 1:14:07Scat Zhejiang Association. It is the first time they have taken
1:14:07 > 1:14:12part in the show. 50 participants included in their entry and they
1:14:12 > 1:14:18were founded in 2009. They promote ties between the UK and China and
1:14:18 > 1:14:21when you think of those ties and you think of the importance of those
1:14:21 > 1:14:26ties, particularly, of course, in the business world, it goes back to
1:14:26 > 1:14:29one of the things that the Lord Mayor wants to do during his year in
1:14:29 > 1:14:34office and that is to promote not just Britain abroad and the city
1:14:34 > 1:14:39abroad, although that's a very important part of it, but also
1:14:39 > 1:14:43promote the idea that business, that doing business, and that this place,
1:14:43 > 1:14:48the City of London, is a decent place to be and a decent place to
1:14:48 > 1:14:59work and a very important place to work.
1:14:59 > 1:15:04The Prince's Trust.I'm with Dominic Reid the pageantmaster. This is
1:15:04 > 1:15:08coming up to the end of the parade, but it is not the end of the
1:15:08 > 1:15:13festivities for the Lord Mayor, is it?It is the whole day. The Lord
1:15:13 > 1:15:16Mayor is going to the Royal Courts of Justice and swear his allegiance
1:15:16 > 1:15:19to the sovereign and then he will come back here and after that, he is
1:15:19 > 1:15:23going to the fireworks. There is a great firework display on the Thames
1:15:23 > 1:15:29at 5.15pm. So there is plenty more to come.A whole day of celebration.
1:15:29 > 1:15:34This is not your first year, it is your 26th year as pageantmaster.
1:15:34 > 1:15:37What do you make of this year? Are you able to sum up what you have
1:15:37 > 1:15:44seen so far?
1:15:44 > 1:15:50It's terrific. The content's been very good. It's been a nice day.
1:15:50 > 1:15:53Congratulations. What I've seen so far has been absolutely wonderful.
1:15:53 > 1:15:57Well done.Thank you very much.
1:16:00 > 1:16:05Dominic Reid, I'm sure a man who sleeps well at the end of such an
1:16:05 > 1:16:11occasion. He actually inherited the role from his father who was the
1:16:11 > 1:16:15Pageantmaster before him. I think if you vaguely recognise him, you
1:16:15 > 1:16:18should do, he's been doing it for some time and took over from his
1:16:18 > 1:16:23father, really is a family business and what a business too! He
1:16:23 > 1:16:26absolutely has to get this right.
1:16:35 > 1:16:40Now, as we watch the parade continue, we sadly can't continue
1:16:40 > 1:16:44for much longer to broadcast it. It's almost time for us to say
1:16:44 > 1:16:48goodbye. Although of course for these people, the day's actually
1:16:48 > 1:16:53only just begun, it really does go on all day and lots of people here
1:16:53 > 1:16:58are going to enjoy their day in London. I have thoroughly enjoyed
1:16:58 > 1:17:02the inflatables and all the rest of it, but I thoroughly have enjoyed
1:17:02 > 1:17:07the mix. I think that, JJ, is what I take from it?Yes, there's such a
1:17:07 > 1:17:10mix here, but it's always the fact for me that this is a huge military
1:17:10 > 1:17:16occasion. Many of the soldiers will on to the fest Ralls of remembrance
1:17:16 > 1:17:20at the cenotaph. This is a weekend of celebration and indeed
1:17:20 > 1:17:23reflection.
1:17:49 > 1:17:56I'm afraid it's time to say goodbye to these festivities. I've loved how
1:17:56 > 1:17:59young this show's felt this year. This is my first Lord Mayor's show
1:17:59 > 1:18:04and I've been struck by the feast of sound and music and colour, it's
1:18:04 > 1:18:11just been amazing. A pomp and pageantry parade of young and old
1:18:11 > 1:18:15and all sorts of animals. Fantastic and so much enthusiasm. It's all
1:18:15 > 1:18:19been brought together by the Lord Mayor's Show, an amazing
1:18:19 > 1:18:24achievement.People have really enjoyed themselves here, people have
1:18:24 > 1:18:27been politely sipping champagne on the sides. We hope you've enjoyed it
1:18:27 > 1:18:31as much as we have. We hope you have a sense of the spectacle that this
1:18:31 > 1:18:37is. See you next time.