The Lord Mayor’s Annual Hot Air Balloon Regatta is back for 2023, and it promises to be one of the most exciting events in London this year. The event is scheduled for May 21st, and if the weather permits, a colourful conga of hot air balloons will float through the skies of the capital.
Organized by Exclusive Ballooning, the City of London Corporation, Mansion House, and the Appeal office, this year’s event is expected to surpass last year’s record-breaking number of hot-air balloons. With so much to look forward to, it’s no wonder that people are getting excited about the upcoming show.
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Key Takeaways
- The Lord Mayor’s Annual Hot Air Balloon Regatta is back for 2023.
- The event is scheduled for May 21st, weather permitting.
- This year’s event is expected to surpass last year’s record-breaking number of hot-air balloons.
Rise and Shine
On the day of the Lord Mayor’s Flotilla, the city is bustling with excitement as people prepare for the grand event. The flotilla is a traditional parade of boats that takes place on the River Thames in London, England. It is a celebration of the new Lord Mayor’s inauguration and has been a part of London’s history for over 800 years.
The event starts early in the morning, with participants gathering at the launch site to decorate their boats with colorful flags, banners, and flowers. The boats range from small rowboats to large barges, each one uniquely decorated to represent the organization or company it belongs to.
As the sun rises over the river, the boats set off in a procession, led by the Lord Mayor’s barge. The barge is ornately decorated with gold leaf and carries the new Lord Mayor and their guests. The procession makes its way down the river, passing under famous London bridges and past iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.
Spectators line the riverbanks, cheering and waving as the boats pass by. Some even join in the festivities by decorating their own boats and joining the flotilla. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with music and entertainment adding to the excitement.
The Lord Mayor’s Flotilla is a cherished tradition in London, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the city’s history and culture. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the city and its people.
Alternative Dates for the Flotilla
While the Lord Mayor’s Flotilla is traditionally held on the second Saturday of November, there have been instances where alternative dates have been considered. These alternative dates are typically chosen to avoid conflicts with other major events in the city or to accommodate specific scheduling needs.
Some of the alternative dates that have been considered in the past include:
The third Saturday of November: This date was considered in 2015 due to a clash with a major sporting event that was scheduled for the second Saturday of November. However, it was ultimately decided that the traditional date would be maintained.
The first Saturday of December: This date was considered in 2018 to provide more time for preparations and to allow for better weather conditions. However, it was ultimately decided that the traditional date would be maintained.
The fourth Saturday of October: This date was considered in 2021 to coincide with the opening of a major cultural festival in the city. However, it was ultimately decided that the traditional date would be maintained.
It is important to note that any changes to the date of the Lord Mayor’s Flotilla would need to be carefully considered and communicated to all stakeholders well in advance to avoid any confusion or disruption to the event.
Lord Mayor’s Flotilla: Practical Information and Map
When?
The Lord Mayor’s Flotilla will take place on Sunday, May 22nd, 2023. The event will begin at 5:30am, so attendees are advised to arrive early.
Where?
The launch of the balloon regatta will be held at Battersea Park, but the balloons will be visible as they fly over several famous landmarks.
Tickets?
No tickets are required to attend the event. Spectators can simply turn up to watch the Lord Mayor’s Flotilla.