Highlights of the Lord Mayor's Show
This Saturday gives you the chance to see the classic pomp and pageantry of the 676th Lord Mayor's Show - and here are some of the more eccentric and exciting twists to this year's parade
COACH AND FIGHTERS The Mayor will be travelling in the State Coach, which spends most of the year in the Museum of London. It was commissioned in the 18th century after one unfortunate office-holder fell off his horse on the way to be blessed - breaking his leg and ruining everyone's day. As the coach sets off at 10.55am, RAF fighter jets will roar overhead in a fly-past.
THE LAMBETH WALK This year's community floats - funded to allow near neighbours of the City to join in the spectacle - include a show-stopping Urban Jungle theme from Lambeth Music. Led by capoeira performers and accompanied by the percussion, steel pans and chimes, the float, which has been designed by year 11s at Stockwell High School, is decked out with graffiti panels and bead curtains made from recycled tin cans and plastic bottles. Expect to hear it before you see it!
HIGH KICKERS After winning no less than 16 trophies in the UK National Cheerleading Championships, the Ascension Eagles will be high kicking their way along the procession's route. The cheerleaders, who are all aged between seven and 21, will be travelling on a vintage double-decker bus when they're not performing their acrobatic routines.
CANINE CAPERS In among the military bands and important officials, look out for some serious mayoral upstaging by Battersea Dogs Home. The float contains a mock-up blue kennel and small children dressed as cute tail-wagging dogs. Alongside will walk six real dogs which are still in need of a good home.
WATERLOO SUNSET After the parade is over, the Lord Mayor lights the touchpaper for what is being billed as the year's biggest fireworks display. It takes place from 5pm on barges positioned between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges - so there are plenty of good vantage points for a display that promises to be spectacular.
For full details of what's on and where, visit www.lordmayorsshow.org.
