The Lady Mayor’s Show took place on Saturday 8 November. This year, the parade was renamed the Lady Mayor’s Show in honour of the 697th Lord Mayor who is Dame Susan Langley DBE. She is only the third woman to hold the post in more than 800 years.
It is one of the best-known annual events in the City of London and dates back to the 13th century. The three-mile-long procession includes 7,000 people, 250 horses, armed forces, charity and community groups, military bands and more than 120 floats.
The Worshipful Company of Farmers, one of the modern-day livery companies, was supported by the NFU, Surrey Docks Farm and Red Tractor Assurance as number 99 in the procession.
An iconic JCB Fastrac 8330 took centre stage, alongside a JCB Loadall telescopic handler. Former NFU Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors, Red Tractor representatives and youngsters from the Surrey Docks Farm walked alongside.
Representatives from the Worshipful Company of Farmers with NFU President Tom Bradshaw. Photograph: Lloyd Sturdy
British farming delivers
The theme of the entry was ‘British Farming Delivers’, an important message to show the public what farmers do and provide for the country, how they deliver fresh food to our shelves, billions of pounds to the economy, and do it all while utilising sustainable practices.
Speaking ahead of the event, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “British farmers are proud to produce the food that feeds the nation, while delivering for nature, rural communities and the wider economy.
“But we are under the cosh and facing huge challenges from price volatility, extreme weather, uncertainty around the future of environmental schemes and changes to inheritance tax, leaving farmer confidence at a record low.
“It's heartening that the British public continue to support us and value what we do in record numbers.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
“The upcoming Budget presents government with an ideal opportunity to renew its relationship with the industry by introducing tax measures that will kickstart investment and growth and deliver the foundations for a resilient food system that 70 million consumers rely on every day.”
The Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers Jeremy Finnis said it is a “great privilege” to lead the farmers' entry at this year's show, describing the event as “drenched with history”.
“We are very pleased to have the support of JCB, the NFU and Red Tractor for our display this year,” he added.
Celebrating farmers' work
Managing Director at JCB Agriculture John Smith said: “JCB has been backing British farmers since 1945, and agriculture is a huge part of our business 80 years on.
“We are delighted to support the show and everything it represents.” JCB is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Red Tractor CEO Jim Moseley said: “As Red Tractor marks 25 years of championing British farming, we’re immensely proud to partner with farmers who produce food that is safe, traceable, and responsibly produced.
“Taking part in the Lady Mayor’s Show is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication in providing high-quality food for the nation.”
While Gemma Hooper, who is farm manager at Surrey Docks, said they were “delighted to represent British Farming and also raise the profile of city farms with our team of volunteers in this year's Lady Mayor's Show”.
Surrey Docks farm representatives. Photograph: Lloyd Sturdy
Public support comes at a crucial time
Earlier this year, the NFU commissioned its Farmer Favourability survey which sought responses from 2,000 adults in England and Wales. Results found that 89% of the public think British farms should grow as much food as possible to support national food security.
More than three-quarters of respondents also trust British food more than food from the rest of the world.
View the full results in our Back British Farming Day – celebrating 10 years report.
“It's heartening that the British public continue to support us and value what we do in record numbers," NFU President Tom Bradshaw added.
“Saturday’s parade gave us a fantastic opportunity to not only support the great work of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, but to also say directly to the public a huge thank you for continuing to back British farming.”
The float was met with great cheers of support for farmers from the public.
We presented the Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley DBE with a hamper of British produce to highlight what the industry provides for the nation.
This public support is vital in these trying times for the industry and the Lady Mayor’s Show was a fantastic opportunity to show the public that British farming delivers.
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Red Tractor representatives at the Lady Mayor's Show in London. Photograph: Lloyd Sturdy.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw with former SYFAP ambassadors (L-R) Josie Troop, Sian Groves, James Scott, Jon Watt and Harry Madin. Photograph: Lloyd Sturdy.
The NFU procession comprised of a JCB Fastrac 8330 and a JCB Loadall telescopic handle. Photograph: Lloyd Sturdy.
Youngsters from the Surrey Docks Farm with representatives from the Worshipful Company of Farmers. Photograph: Lloyd Sturdy.
