The Lord Mayor’s Procession is the centrepiece of the Lord Mayor’s Celebration – an open and welcoming summertime festival in the heart of Norwich.
The procession, the second oldest carnival in the UK, began in medieval times with the Norwich Guild to welcome the new Lord Mayor. We invite you to carry on this fine tradition by participating in the centrepiece of Norwich’s cultural calendar.
This guidance provides information on how to apply for a place in the Lord Mayor’s Procession and everything you need to know about taking part.
Procession guidance notes
How to apply
Participation is free, but you must complete an application form.
Key dates
Application deadline Friday 20 June (but the earlier the better!)
- The event: Saturday 12 July
- Prizes presentation at City Hall Tuesday 18 July at midday:
Embrace the theme
This year’s theme is Summer in the City, allowing you to draw inspiration from global celebrations like the Rio Carnival, 80s Miami, Venice, Mombasa, or New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Alternatively, you can focus on what summertime in Norwich means to you, highlighting local history, tradition, or people.
Get creative, think big, and remember that the parade is meant to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Consider how you can engage the public, perhaps with a drumbeat, sing-along music, or tricks and displays. Share your creations and performances on social media to showcase your hard work.
All entries must be worn, pushed, pulled, or carried by your group. Get creative with pushbikes, wheelbarrows, pushchairs, or even old wheelie bins! If you need help or advice, please let us know.
To keep the procession enjoyable, we do not accept entries that are purely advertising. All entries must embody the spirit of carnival. The more energy you put into your performance, the more the crowd will respond!
Ensure that anyone walking as support to your entry is also in the ‘Summer in the City’ theme. Nobody wants to see anyone in ‘normal’ clothes – you’re there to party!
Designing your entry
- Consider these principles: Noise, Height, and Interaction. The more visible and audible you are, the better. We welcome puppets, instruments, live or amplified music, and choreographed movement. Engage with the crowds – they’re there to cheer you on!
- Ensure structures are stable and have suitable braking or stop systems. The route includes slopes, and the pace will be a slow walk, taking about an hour to complete. The parade will move continuously, with two to three scheduled stops for up to 2 minutes.
- All entries, costumes, and activities must be family-friendly. We may ask you to turn down excessively loud sound systems.
Prizes
Entries will be judged on creative interpretation of the theme, quality, and enthusiasm. Impress the judges on Theatre Street to win:
- 1st Prize: £300
- 2nd Prize: £200
- 3rd Prize: £150
- Lord Mayor’s Special Award: £150
The Lord Mayor’s Special Award will be given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to this year’s procession, whether in planning, supporting an entry, designing a costume, choreographing a show, or shining on the day.
On the day
If you have large structures or require additional setup time, please inform us so we can accommodate your request. For any accessibility needs, please let our team know.
We are a single-use plastic-free event. Please bring your own water bottles. Large groups may want to bring a trolley for drinks, sunscreen, etc.
Our team will guide you through the event.
The procession route
The route starts at Norwich Cathedral and winds through the city, finishing at Chapelfield Gardens where the fun continues into the evening. We invite all participants to join us in Chapelfield Gardens to continue the celebrations.
Timings
- 1 to 2pm: Groups arrive at Norwich School in the Cathedral Grounds (Note: No parking within the Cathedral Grounds. Entrants should be dropped off on foot in Tombland and walk into the Cathedral Close).
- 2.45pm: Line up ready to set off
- 3 to 4.30pm: Lord Mayor’s Procession
- 8pm: Winners announced on stage in Chapelfield Gardens
Safety
- Ensure no naked flames, fire hazards, or smoking.
- Keep a suitable fire extinguisher available.
- Check electrical items for PAT testing and RCD protection.
- Ensure structural safety – nothing should collapse, fall off, or roll away.
- Keep decorations and people away from wheels or moving parts.
- Avoid encouraging the public to throw coins.
- Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
- Follow stewards' instructions on the day.
- No animals are allowed unless agreed upon in advance.
- We advise participants not to drink alcohol.
- Designated muster points near Chapelfield Gardens will be available for meeting or collecting participants.
Charity collection
- All money collected is for the Lord Mayor’s civic charity, which changes each year and reflects the Lord Mayor’s values.
- Provide as many buckets and collectors as possible taking part in your entry. There will be a collection point near the end of the route for depositing all money.
- More information will be emailed two weeks before the event, detailing arrival instructions and information about the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity.
Contact
Culture and events team
- Phone: 01603 989333
- Email: events@norwich.gov.uk
If you would like this information in another language or format such as large print, CD or Braille please visit www.norwich.gov.uk/Intran or call 0344 980 3333.
Privacy Notice
Norwich City Council is the data controller for the personal data you provide. We are working with Ellie Cleary, carnival engagement co-ordinator, to deliver the Lord Mayor’s Procession, who may contact you about your entry. Ellie Cleary is a data processor for the information we share. We will not share your data with third parties unless required by law.
Your data is processed based on consent and legal obligations related to health and safety. We will maintain your data for one year from the event date. You can withdraw consent for processing by emailing events@norwich.gov.uk. For data processing queries, contact our Data Protection Officer at DPO@norwich.gov.uk.
