Originating in 1215, the parade has evolved from a medieval inauguration ritual into a grand celebration of London's diversity and vitality.

by Xinhua writers Gao Wencheng, Yu Aicen

LONDON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- With banners fluttering in the autumn breeze and brass bands echoing through the historic streets, central London turned into a sea of color and joy on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of spectators witnessed the first Lady Mayor's Show, one of Britain's most time-honored civic parades.

This year's procession was historic as Susan Langley, the 697th Lord Mayor of the City of London, is the first to bear the title "The Lady Mayor."

In ornate robes and a feather-trimmed hat, Langley rode in a golden horse-drawn carriage, making ceremonial stops along the route and occasionally tipping her hat to greet the cheering crowds lining the streets.

In her official message for the event, Langley wrote: "What the City does so brilliantly is to weave this innovation and history together. The Show is a really great example of this and a chance for everyone to see the mix of old and new come alive, with marching bands, charities, livery companies and all sorts of other organizations."

Originating in 1215, the parade has evolved from a medieval inauguration ritual into a grand celebration of London's diversity and vitality, featuring displays of the Bluebird K7 hydroplane, piano performances, battlefield first-aid simulations, and dazzling singing and dancing shows.

The atmosphere was electric. Drums beat in rhythm, trumpets blared, and cheers erupted from the crowds as floats rolled past the Guildhall, Mansion House, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Royal Courts of Justice.

More than 120 procession groups, representing trade associations, companies, charities, military units, professional guilds, and international groups, joined the three-mile parade, filling the City with marching bands, vintage vehicles, dazzling floats, and flags from around the world.

Among the many highlights of the parade, Chinese elements stood out vividly, drawing warm applause from the crowds along the route.

The China Chamber of Commerce in Britain presented a spectacular float themed around green technology and sustainable growth, showcasing China's "new trio" -- new energy vehicles, solar products, and lithium batteries. Flanked by vibrant lion dancers and Chinese drummers, the float symbolized China's contribution to the world's clean energy transformation.

Meanwhile, the Zhejiang UK Association brought an elegant touch of Eastern beauty. Members dressed in traditional qipao waved gracefully from a float decorated with lotus flowers and seashell motifs, embodying the charm and confidence of modern Chinese women.

Across the parade, different sectors of British society were represented. Postal workers marched proudly beside construction crews with bulldozers, while rescue teams paraded with their search dogs, delighting children along the barricades. Lawyers, firefighters, engineers, artists, farmers, and students all carried flags bearing the symbols of their trades.

For Timothy Hailes, a senior Alderman of the City of London, the day's spectacle carried a message of global connection. "As today's show demonstrates, with the participation of industries across Britain and representatives from around the world, the strength of London, and the City of London, lies in connection," Hailes told Xinhua.

According to the City of London Corporation, the governing body established offices in Beijing and Shanghai in 2008. Today, more than 40 Chinese financial institutions operate in the City, deepening collaboration in investment management and green finance.

"If the City, and indeed Britain, seeks to remain globally relevant, it cannot afford to overlook any key region, including the developing world, nor China, whose role in trade, technology, and green innovation is vital to the global future," Hailes said.  ■