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The Lord Mayor’s Show

Chris Porter reports on this year’s event.

“There are 110 livery companies, comprising London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the ‘Worshipful Company of…’ their respective craft, trade or profession. These livery companies play a significant part in the life of the City of London (the financial district and historic heart of the capital), not least by providing charitable giving to the tune of over £70m each year and providing significant networking opportunities.

Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices, such as the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Corporation, its ancient municipal authority with extensive local government powers.

The Worshipful Company of Distillers’ is one such Livery Company. We received a Royal Charter in 1638 and later, were granted our Livery by the Court of Alderman in the Corporation of London of 1672. This year we celebrate our 350th Anniversary

There are currently 110 City Livery Companies, each numbered according to precedence, primarily based on the date of foundation. The Distillers’ Company is ranked number 69.

I have been a Liveryman with the Distillers since 2000 and last week had the honour of being installed as its Master for 2021-2022. I am very proud. We have an exciting year ahead, as we celebrate our 350th Anniversary delivering our key strategic charitable, educational and industry goals.

This year is even more significant, in that one of our very own Honorary Liveryman Distillers, Alderman Vincent Keaveny, is the new Lord Mayor. I’m looking forward to working closely with him and supporting him throughout his mayoral year.

The Distiller’s were proud and delighted to have taken part in his Lord Mayor’s Show on November 13th and I am pleased to share some of my photos from the day with you here.

The Show dates back to the early 13th century, when King John allowed the City of London to appoint its own Mayor. He insisted that each newly elected Mayor should come to Westminster and swear loyalty to the Crown. The Lord Mayor of London has been making that journey for over 800 years. The State Coach that is used is over 250 years old and the tradition of the pikemen who guard it are almost as old as the show itself.

Today, Livery Companies, charities, Her Majesty’s Forces, the City Police and Londoners from all walks of life come together to enjoy a splendid celebration of the City of London, just as they did in the Middle Ages.

We rolled a barrel through the streets, raised our hipflasks to the new Lord Mayor and waved to the many wonderful, warm, welcoming crowds. Our cyclists powered their way through on the centrepiece of our parade, our bike/bar pedal-powered by eight people, our distinctive balloon with our sponsors names, aprons and umbrellas – not that these were needed!

An experience like no other, I shall always remember the noisy, colourful, joyous procession that is the Lord Mayor’s Show.”

Chris Porter (Centre) with Liverymen
Chris Porter with the plaque