London borough children enjoy a glitzy fancy dress party at
modern Dick Whittington’s Mansion
Over 500
children took part in a spectacular fancy dress party in the
City’s glitzy Mansion House on Saturday (5 January) – all
hosted by the modern-day Dick Whittington.
In a tradition dating back at least a hundred years, children
take over the gilded and imposing 18th-century State Rooms and
palatial Egyptian Hall - to have fun!
Clowns, party games, a live band and dancers were part of the
fun, along with expert animal handlers who introduced children to a
Mexican harrier, a four-foot long snake, a lizard and a giant South
American spider.
Lord Mayor David Lewis - normally a serious City lawyer,
welcomed children from London boroughs with Lady Mayoress and
their five-year-old black labrador called Cothi (pictured
wearing a replica of the Lord Mayor’s badge), saying:
"My year is packed with business meetings and visits abroad to
talk about financial services, legislation, infrastructure and
opportunities for City firms. I make 900 speeches and fly to
two-dozen countries. It is very hard work and the hours can be
punishing.
"But once a year - always as Christmas officially ends - we just
have some FUN. I also want the children who in future may take over
my role to know that it is very important to work hard, do good
works and contribute to charity like Dick Whittington did."
The guests are all children connected with the City and London
boroughs.
Ends
Notes for editors
The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London Corporation, an
ancient body with a modern role looking after the Square Mile,
promoting and supporting the City as an international financial
centre, and doing special things for London and the UK, eg running
the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow Airport, receiving foreign
leaders, supporting the Barbican Arts Centre and the Guildhall
School of Music, and maintaining - without charge to the taxpayer -
Tower Bridge, London Bridge and the three other City bridges of
London.
Press enquiry: Loretta Lui 02073321528