The Paviors were out in force again this year for the Lord Mayor’s Show, making their mark with their float towed by the much-loved steam-roller from Amberley Museum. As in recent years, the Paviors’ team also sported the flying St Anthony’s Pig, but supplemented this time by a herd of baby piglets. The Show was to celebrate the installation of Dr Andrew Parmley as the 689th Lord Mayor of London. Dr Parmley was born in Manchester, and has been Director of Music at various schools and other establishments throughout his career, and is also co-founder of the Transcontinental School Innovation Alliance.
The Paviors’ Float was 79th in the procession, which meant it was some 40 minutes behind the first floats. The Paviors’ Master also made his mark this year by leading the walkers accompanied by his Wardens, instead of riding on the float – a new tradition in the making perhaps? The Paviors had a new and enthusiastic jazz band on the team, who did well to compete with the noise from the float behind. Whenever the parade was halted, especially on the return journey, the common question from the public was ‘why the pig?’!
After an early supper and trip along the Thames on the MV Erasmus, luck was in this year as nothing occurred to stop the fireworks, which provided a noisy and colourful display, although somewhat obscured by the low cloud. The whole event was a great effort of organization by the Paviors’ Liverymen’s Committee. Despite the grey and dull weather, a great time was had by all.
Click here to see a video of the Paviors at the Lord Mayors Show.
The Photographic Archive also contains images taken at the event. These can be seen by clicking here.