16 October 2007
Young and old 'City gents' - residents in the Square Mile take
part in 2007 Lord Mayor's Show
The City of London’s Family and Young People’s Service is one of
six London groups to have received £10,500 in funding from the Lord
Mayor of the City of London to build their own float for inclusion
in the Lord Mayor’s Show.
In the coming weeks, around 70 children and adults (three to
80-years-old) from the City will be transformed into real ‘City
Gents’ to entertain around 300,000 spectators when the parade hits
the streets of London on Saturday 10 November.
The City of London’s Family and Young People's Service within
the City Corporation’s Department of Community and Children’s
Services, delivers informal education and self-development
opportunities in the City and works with voluntary and community
groups providing activities for the under-fives.
The City float will feature participants wearing pinstripe
suits. The residents will dance to the all time favourite tune –
‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and perform with umbrellas and bowler hats.
The float will be developed under the theme of ‘OneCiti’, which
reflects all the people that work, live and play in the City.
Gillian Humble, Family and Young People's Director at the City
of London said: ‘We’re very excited about residents of all ages
joining forces with the Youth and Play Service to take part in the
Lord Mayor’s Show. It’s a great opportunity to bring people
together across the generations and showcase the talents and
diversity of some of the 9,000 residents living and working in the
Square Mile. Our music is ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ but we hope the sun
will shine for all."
The Lord Mayor’s community float scheme extends links between
the Square Mile and neighbouring City fringe boroughs. Sponsorship
in terms of finance and through expert workshops allows group
participants to develop their talents – which are demonstrated on
the day to the Show’s audience across the world.
Ends
Notes to Editors
Facts about the Lord Mayor’s Show:
- First Lord Mayor was elected in 1215; the Show is now in its
792nd year.
- It welcomes in the 680th Lord Mayor of the City of London.
- The Show takes place annually on the second Saturday in
November.
- At 5.00pm, the Lord Mayor will light the touch paper to the
Lord Mayor’s Fireworks display on the River Thames between
Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridge. A team of eight pyrotechnicians
takes two days to set more than half a tonne of giant fireworks,
some of which shoot more than 600ft into the air. It is the largest
firework display in London.
- The word "float", used to describe components of a parade or
procession, is derived from the Lord Mayor’s Show when originally
the exhibits would do just that - "float" along the Thames in
barges.
- The Pageantmaster, Dominic Reid, is responsible for organising
the logistics of the Show – this includes arranging for the lifting
and checking of 3,500 manhole covers, installation of 4,000
grandstand seats and 6,300 galvanised crowd barriers and laying of
43 tonnes of sand. He also organises the 6,000 participants, 180
vehicles and 20 marching bands.
- Last year there were more than 6,000 participants, 1,550
military personnel, 249 vehicles from Morris Minors to open top
buses, 71 floats, 24 bands of all shapes and sizes and a giant
mechanical Bengali tiger.
- To enjoy the celebrations, get to the City for the morning of
Saturday 10 November and nab a place on the well-marked route. The
procession will weave its way from Guildhall in the heart of the
City, through the historic streets of the Square Mile, passing the
Mansion House and St. Paul’s Cathedral before continuing to the
Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.
- For more details on the Lord Mayor’s Show, including route,
timings and road closures, go to
www.lordmayorshow.org
About the Role of the Lord Mayor
The Lord
Mayor of the City of London acts as an international ambassador for
the UK business and financial services industry. He spends up to 80
days a year, travelling to around 20 countries to promote this
industry and the Square Mile as a place of excellence in which to
do business. As head of the City of London the Lord Mayor is
involved with local government and London-wide issues, from the
City of London's work in the regeneration of neighbouring boroughs
to transport and environmental issues which affect the City. On
behalf of the Sovereign and the Government, he also acts as host
when the City of London provides hospitality for visiting heads of
state and foreign dignitaries.
About the City of London Corporation
The ancient City of London Corporation has a 21st-century role
supporting the business city as the world’s leading international
financial and business centre. The City of London Corporation
provides local government services for the City of London "Square
Mile" at the heart of London – but its responsibilities also extend
far beyond the City boundaries and include paying for and running
the Barbican Centre, Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, and three
wholesale food markets, as well as acting as the London Port Health
Authority.
Press enquiries to: Loretta Lui - 020 7332 1528 or Lesley Mair-
020 7332 1754