10 November

A secret dawn rehearsal

The City of London Corporation has been hard at work getting everything ready, including running a "secret" dawn rehearsal that traces the route the new Lord Mayor Alderman Vincent Keaveny will take on Saturday 13th November, when he will travel in the state coach from Mansion House via St Paul's Cathedral, Ludgate Circus and Temple Bar to the Royal Courts of Justice. 

Pageantmaster Dominic Reid is leading the preparations as usual - carrying on the tradition set by his father.  As he points out, the early-morning rehearsal is the only time the horses will be given the opportunity to experience the weight of the heavy coach and it's the only time the new Lord Mayor will be able to practice getting in and out of the coach, as well as his ceremonial oath at the Royal Courts of Justice.