Upcoming City Events 

(updated December 2025)

We list below in chronological order recurring City events that are open to all Livery Company members, along with some other inter-livery events that are open to members to attend. Some dates are provisional or to be announced. Event venues are in central London except where indicated otherwise. The list does not include those events for which attendance is by invitation only.

Additional events can be seen on the Livery Committee website.

The United Guilds Service was first held in 1943 as a coordinated response to the challenges faced by the City of London following the blitz in 1940-41. It takes place in the magnificent surroundings of St Paul's Cathedral attended by the Lord Mayor and the Bishop of London and every Livery Company is allocated c20 seats in a dedicated pew. Those interested in attending should look out for an email from our Clerk a few weeks beforehand.

TBA July 2026

The Brigantes Breakfast - Location tba

The annual North of England lunch for Liverymen of all City of London Livery Companies and their guests. Further information from: livery@brigantes.org.uk

Wednesday 24th June 2026

Election of Sheriffs - Common Hall

The two Sheriffs of the City of London are elected each year on Midsummer Day at what is known as Common Hall. This takes place in the Guildhall and all Liverymen of at least one year's standing are eligible to attend and vote. It is an event that all Liverymen should aim to attend at least once - to observe and participate in a process that has taken place for several centuries.

The event is ticketed and usually fills up quickly. Those interested should look out for an email from our Clerk a few weeks beforehand.

Saturday 18th July 2026
Cart Marking - Guildhall Yard

The regulation and marking of carts in the City of London dates back over 500 years with the ceremony of Cart Marking evolving over time. The history of this event, the first known system for licensing of vehicles, is brought back to life with a modern twist at this event. You will see vehicles ranging from handcarts, horses and carriages to steam engines, military vehicles and motorcycles. Historic, vintage and specialist vehicles are on display including the latest vehicles powered by electricity and hydrogen.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event - held on a Saturday morning in the Guildhall Yard. For more information see: Cart Marking

Mid-September 2026
Inter-Livery Tennis Competition - Queens Club

The Feltmakers’ Inter-Livery Tennis Competition is held each year for teams of one or two mixed pairs from each Livery Company.  The competition is designed for Liverymen and their partners. It commences with a group round-robin stage followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final.  There is a knock-out Plate Competition for first round group losers.

The competition is followed by dinner at Queens Club when the Master presents the Feltmakers' Trophy to the winning pair. If you are interested in participating, please contact our Clerk who will receive entry details in June.

Sunday 27th September 2026

Annual Sheep Drive and Livery Fair - Southwark Bridge

The Worshipful Company of Woolmen has organised the Annual Sheep Drive and Livery Fair for many years to commemorate and celebrate the ancient right of Freemen of the City of London to drive their sheep across the River Thames. Originally the sheep drive took place across London Bridge, but now it crosses Southwark Bridge, which is closed to traffic for the day. Join in the fun and drive your own flock of sheep across the bridge.

Please click here for more information.

Tuesday 29th September 2026

Election of Lord Mayor - Common Hall

The Lord Mayor is elected each year on Michaelmas Day at an annual gathering of Common Hall. This also takes place in the Guildhall and again Liverymen of at least one year's standing are eligible to attend and vote. It is an event that all Liverymen should aim to attend at least once - to observe and participate in a process that has taken place for several centuries.

The event is ticketed and usually fills up quickly. Those interested should look out for an email from our Clerk a few weeks beforehand.

Friday 13th November 2026

The Silent Ceremony - Guildhall

Following election at the end of September, the Lord (or Lady) Mayor formally takes office on the day before the Lord Mayor's Show. It is conducted in total silence, except for the swearing-in of the new Mayor.

Aside from places for those forming part of the procession, and invited guests including Livery Company Masters, the remaining places are allocated to members of the public who have applied and been successful in a ballot. Those interested in attending should contact our Clerk in good time for advice on how to apply.

Saturday 14th November 2026 
Lord Mayors Show - Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice

The Lord Mayor's Show dates back to the 13th century when King John allowed the City of London to appoint its own Mayor. The King insisted that each newly-elected Mayor should come to Westminster and swear loyalty to the Crown, and the Mayor of London has been making that journey for over 800 years. 

The centrepiece of the Lord Mayor's Show comprises a parade comprising more than a hundred floats, scores of carriages, hundreds of horses and thousands of marchers. It takes 90 minutes to pass each point on the 3-mile long parade route. It is a spectacle that every liveryman should participate in. 

Our Company has marched in the Lord Mayor's Show alongside the London Area Sea Cadets unit - proudly displaying our gonfalon and branded umbrellas. Look out for an email from our Clerk if you would like to join our marchers.

Mid-December 2026
Brigantes Winter Gathering - Location tba 

Brigantes is open to Liverymen of the City of London, but usually hosts this event in a Northern Cathedral City. It provides an opportunity for Liverymen and guests to meet together in the run up to Christmas. The Winter Gathering commences in the afternoon with the Association’s Annual General Meeting, followed by a reception, early evening supper and Christmas Concert in the Cathedral Nave. 

More details can be obtained from: livery@brigantes.org.uk