IOC Success in Lady Mayor's 2025 Show

The Lord Mayor’s Show is a historic procession from the City to Westminster that dates back to the early 13th Century. Last year, for the first time in its 800-year history, the event became the Lady Mayor’s Show.

A Historic Tradition

The tradition began in 1215 when King John granted the City of London the right to appoint its own mayor. However, he required that each newly elected mayor travel upriver to Westminster to pledge their loyalty to the Crown.

While Dame Susan Langley DBE is the third woman out of 697 people to have held the post, she is the first to officially take the title of Lady Mayor. It is important to note that the office of the Lord or Lady Mayor of the City of London differs from the Mayor of London, a role currently held by Sir Sadiq Khan that was created in 2000. The City’s mayor carries out ceremonial duties and serves as an international spokesperson for the square mile.

The Institute of Couriers Takes Part

Over the centuries, the procession has evolved into a vibrant parade. It provides an opportunity for livery companies, charities, businesses, and the armed forces to march through the streets of London.

The Institute of Couriers (IOC) participated in the 2025 event with a spectacular "final mile" delivery. The display featured a giant owl accompanied by the salute of bagpipes. A group of 100 final-mile walkers created a kaleidoscope of colour, showcasing 10 zero-emission L-cat micro-delivery vehicles. A total of 10 major brands took part, including:

Royal Mail and DPD
Evri and Santis
FedEx and CitySprint
TVS SCS, Absolutely, GLH, Whistl, and Smiths News

Celebrating Diversity

The theme for 2025 focused on women and diversity, a mission championed by the new Lady Mayor. The IOC VIP group was led by IOC CEO Dr Tracey Worth. The group also included:

Sarah Bell, Traffic Commissioner
Superintendent Lisa Maslen, the new Police Head of Business Crime
Marta Gajewska, Logistics college boss
Prof Stacey Clemes and NHS Truck health expert Bernie
Sally Smith, Chief Operating Officer of the West London Chambers of Commerce

The pageant holds the record as the longest-running TV broadcast, having first aired in 1937. True to tradition, the entire parade is timed to the precision of military bands marching at exactly 116 beats per minute.

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