16 January 2009
London Borough children enjoy a glitzy party in the City
500 London children took part in a spectacular fancy dress party
in the City’s glitzy Mansion House on Saturday (January 10) –
hosted by the modern day Dick Whittington Lord Mayor Ian Luder and
his cat Big Ben.
The children were able to enjoy the splendid surroundings of the
18th-century State Rooms and palatial Egyptian Hall, where the City
of London Lord Mayor normally welcomes politicians, statesmen and
financiers. Adult representatives from boroughs around London took
part too.
The usual formality of the Mansion House was replaced with the
excited noises of children, clowns, party games and a live band.
Children danced to songs and were particularly excited when they
heard music from the Mamma Mia soundtrack. They all had a yummy
afternoon tea at the Old Ballroom.
There was even an opportunity to meet expert animal handlers who
introduced them to a Mexican harrier, an owl, an armadillo, a
lizard and a giant South American spider.
The Lord Mayor hid his cat in a bag and brought it onto the
stage so that Big Ben (a black cat which the Lord Mayor rescued
five years ago) could make a surprise appearance.
Lord Mayor Ian Luder, born and bred in East London whose
predecessor from the 1400s was Dick Whittington said:
"As a child I wanted to become a Lord Mayor when I grew up. I
want the children to know that anything is possible. I also want
them to know more about what a modern Dick Whittington does and
show them the place where Lord Mayors live. My year as Lord Mayor
is full of serious business promoting London’s key financial
services industry so it’s good to have FUN with the future Lord
Mayors of the City of London."
Ends
Loretta Lui
Senior Press Officer
Public Relations Office
City of London
PO Box 270, Guildhall
London EC2P 2EJ
Tel: 020 7332 1528/ 0777 080 3589
Fax:020 7332 1987