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Students joined the three-mile-long procession, parading alongside a red Routemaster bus, as the new Lady Mayor made her first public engagement

By Katie Hoggan (Communications Officer (Corporate)), Published

The first woman to be named Lady Mayor of the City of London, Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE, has made history with the first ever Lady Mayor’s Show.

As Lady Mayor, Dame Susan will also serve as Rector for City St George’s and will be formally installed at the University’s winter graduation in January 2026.

Born in London’s East End, she is the third woman in the City of London Corporation’s history to hold this high office and the first to take the title of ‘Lady Mayor.’

Lady Mayor of the City of London, Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE Credit: Dare & Hier

The Lady Mayor’s Show, which took place on Saturday 8 November, was her first public engagement. The three-mile-long procession is the oldest civic pageant in the world and drew an estimated 350,000+ spectators, with millions more watching live BBC One coverage at home.

City St George’s students took part in the parade, led by musical theatre and dance students from Urdang, marching alongside a red Routemaster bus. The Worshipful Company of Saddlers joined staff and students on the float, representing its historic relationship with the University.

In 1894, the Worshipful Companies of Saddlers provided financial support to enable the founding of the Northampton Institute which later became ‘The City University.’

A nod to the university’s historical links to the City of London, the installation of the elected Lord Mayor as Rector has been an important moment in the academic calendar since City St George’s secured the Royal Charter in 1966.

As Lady Mayor, Dame Susan will serve a one-year term as head of the governing body of the Square Mile, the City of London Corporation.

Her role will include serving as a global ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector, working with business leaders and government representatives - both here and overseas - to strengthen global business ties, and promoting opportunities for UK growth.

Urdang students led the parade with singing and dancing Credit: Dare & Hier

Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, said:

I’m deeply honoured to have been elected to this office, and to have led the first ever Lady Mayor’s Show.

During my mayoralty, I will work to strengthen London’s global leadership, support business growth, and ensure that the City continues to make a positive social impact, while, I hope, demonstrating to the next generation that the City is a great place to live and work in.

Dr Sionade Robinson, Vice-President (Enterprise, Engagement & Employability), said:

“City St George’s has taken part in the Lord Mayor’s Show for over 50 years. It was an honour to celebrate this year’s historic show representing business, practice and the professions with colourful outfits and singing and dancing from our students.

“We're proud of the special relationship between our University and the City of London, ‘unsquaring’ the Square Mile. We look forward to working with Lady Mayor Dame Susan as our Rector in the coming year.”