Chris Simmance’s Journal of Freemanship

The Lord Mayor’s Show 2024 – A Proud Moment in Celebrating Tradition and Entrepreneurship

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the streets of London came alive with the pomp and pageantry of the Lord Mayor’s Show, a civic procession that has stood as a hallmark of tradition and celebration for centuries. This year’s event held special significance for me as I had the privilege of supporting the Company of Entrepreneurs’ involvement by leading the production of the brochure advertisementand the video presentation that played during the parade.

An Honour to Contribute

The Lord Mayor’s Show is no ordinary event—it’s the oldest and longest civic procession in the world, a spectacular display involving 7,000 participants, 200 horses, and 150 floats. To see my work showcased amidst this grand display of heritage and unity was a deeply proud moment. The brochure and video played a key role in representing the Company of Entrepreneurs, highlighting our commitment to the mayoral and civic agenda while celebrating entrepreneurship as a distinctive professional discipline.

A Historic Occasion

This year’s Show was particularly momentous, as Alderman Alastair King, the Senior Warden of the Company of Entrepreneurs, took office as the 696th Lord Mayor of London. The procession, stretching from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice, marked his first full day in office, symbolising his loyalty to the Crown and the City of London.

To witness the pride and enthusiasm of the crowd as the floats passed by was electrifying. The rolling BBC coverage, vibrant media presence, and the striking collateral ensured the event reached a global audience, further amplifying the importance of entrepreneurship in the City’s rich history.

Behind the Scenes

Producing the video that played during the procession was both a challenge and an honour. Working with an incredible team to craft a visual narrative that reflected the spirit of entrepreneurship and the values of the Company made this opportunity truly fulfilling. Seeing the finished product as part of the Show was a defining moment, one that I’ll cherish for years to come.

Walking the Walk

For those fortunate enough to join the procession, walking alongside the Master and Wardens of the Company of Entrepreneurs was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The camaraderie, laughter, and collective pride of representing entrepreneurs on such a public platform added a personal and meaningful touch to the day.

A Celebration of Fellowship and Progress

The Lord Mayor’s Show 2024 was more than just a procession; it was a powerful reminder of the City’s ability to unite tradition with progress. For me, it was a chance to contribute meaningfully to this incredible event and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship with friends, colleagues, and the wider community.

Looking Ahead

The Lord Mayor’s Show is a celebration of the City of London’s history, resilience, and vision for the future. As entrepreneurs, we are proud to be full stakeholders in this civic agenda, using opportunities like this to showcase the value of our work and our dedication to innovation.