Historic spectacle draws crowds

New Lord Mayor John Stuttard pledged his allegiance to the crown

Crowds gathered in London to cheer on the annual Lord Mayor's Show.

Almost 6,000 people took part in the spectacle which made its way through the City ahead of a fireworks display from a barge on the Thames.

After a two-minute silence at 1100 GMT to mark Armistice Day, the procession left Mansion House and headed for the Royal Courts of Justice.

In a special ceremony John Stuttard pledged his allegiance to the Queen as the new Lord Mayor of London.

Marching bands

Mr Stuttard said that during his year as Lord Mayor he would be travelling to 20 countries around the world to promote London.

He said: "I am trying to ensure that London continues to be successful as a financial centre.

"We are really top of the league but we can't take that for granted and this show is evidence of that."

The first Lord Mayor's Show was held in 1215 and has featured in a Canaletto painting, a Hogarth drawing and even the James Bond novel, Dr No.

Those taking part this year include 2,000 military personnel, more than 300 vehicles, 60 floats, 20 marching bands and 20 carriages, ending with a fireworks display.