The Lord Mayor’s Show is the oldest civic procession in the world dating back to the 13th century, celebrating the inauguration of the Lord Mayor with a vibrant procession through the City of London.
The Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King (C 87), is the fifth Old Oundelian to hold this office. As the 696th Lord Mayor to be inaugurated, he invited his old school to join the celebrations in this year’s procession through the City.
The School’s procession included 125 pupils, led by the marching band and followed by pupils from Laxton Junior School and Oundle, who carried flags representing each of the school’s Houses. The centerpiece of their display was a float topped by a spectacular gold Griffin, which was a masterpiece months in the making, crafted through the collaboration of various school departments. The School crest, which features two griffins either side of the shield, provided the inspiration for the float theme.
Spectators lined the streets of the City of London to watch the parade, which included 7000 participants, 250 horses and 150 floats. The event was broadcast live on the BBC, and coverage began with the presenter Mishal Husain introducing the show to the nation from Oundle’s Griffin float.
Planning for the parade began in the Summer Term, and involved close collaboration between pupils and staff in the Art department where graphic designs were devised, the Stahl Theatre where the Griffin was constructed and the Patrick Engineering Centre where the buggy was built. Leaving nothing to chance, technical rehearsals were held on the running track in October, where groups were configured and pacing for the three mile long procession was practiced.
BBC Coverage featured Oundle’s display:
