Published: 28 November 2024
On Saturday 9 November, staff and students took to the streets on a double decker bus sporting the new City St George’s, University of London crest for the Lord Mayor's Show.
City St George’s has a special relationship with the City of London, with the Lord Mayor as its Rector. City University was founded through the philanthropy of the City of London and its Livery Companies, which represent the professional bodies of the Square Mile.
Each year, City University has joined the Lord Mayor’s Show to welcome the new Lord Mayor. This year, for the first time, staff and students from the Tooting campus attended the show to represent City St George’s alongside colleagues and classmates from other campuses across the University.
The Lord Mayor’s Show has a long history, beginning in the 13th Century, when King John granted that the City of London could appoint its own Mayor. Each newly-elected Mayor was required to come to Westminster and swear loyalty to the Crown, and the Mayors have been making that journey for over 800 years. Around them grew up a procession that has become the Lord Mayor’s Show. You can find out more about the history of the show here.
An utterly unique experience
Dressed in their graduation gowns or health profession uniforms, City St George’s formed part of this spectacular street parade to welcome the new Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King.
Staff and students danced, waved and high-fived children along the route, all whilst waving City St George’s flags.
Speaking about the event, Sionade Robinson, Vice President (Enterprise, Engagement & Employability) said:
"The Lord Mayor’s show is an utterly unique experience, and I highly recommend it. This year it was especially wonderful to introduce our new university to the thousands of people who line the streets of the City and enjoy their cheers and warm welcomes."
- Sionade Robinson -
Jane Saffell, Vice-President (St George’s) added:
"It was such a joyous throng, everyone was smiling, cheering and clapping and we spent the day with a big smile on our faces. It felt special to be part of such an iconic event and walking that historic route with our ‘health powerhouse’ City St George’s bus!"
- Jane Saffell -
City St George’s Student, Mohammed Mahdi Tapadar said:
"Taking part in the Lord Mayor's Show was an unforgettable experience. Walking in the procession was a world apart from watching it on television or being one of the thousands of spectators lining the streets. The event was truly unique - unlike anything I’ve ever participated in before. Along the way, I had the pleasure of meeting some incredible people, including members of various livery companies, dedicated staff, and fellow students. It’s a day that will stay with me forever!"
- Mohammed Mahdi Tapadar -
Jenny Honour, Head of Section for Paramedic Science, St George’s School of Health and Medical Sciences added:
"The Lord Mayor’s Show was such a fun and vibrant event, and it was a great way to meet and engage with students and staff from our sister campus. The best part of the event was meeting so many young people whose eyes lit up when they were high-fived by someone in a healthcare uniform."
- Jenny Honour -
Thank you to all the staff and students that took part in the procession!