The Lord Mayor’s Show, City of London

Marvel at this spectacular procession, which has been held (almost) annually for nearly 800 years. The extensive parade, which consists of floats, marching bands, musicians and cars, sets off from Mansion House at 11am. You can also watch the return route between Aldwych and Bank from 1 to 2.30pm – don’t miss the new Lord Mayor of London in his magnificent gold coach. 10 Nov

Cartier Bresson: A Question of Colour, at Somerset House

This fascinating exhibition displays 10 photographs by French photojournalist Henri Cartier-Bresson that have never before been on view in the UK. These important works are exhibited alongside those of 15 international photographers, allowing visitors the chance to trace Cartier-Bresson’s significant influence on his field. This exhibition is the first from The Positive View Foundation, a charity which works with disadvantaged young people and which is supported by Prince William. 8 Nov-27 Jan

The London Jazz Festival, Various Venues

London’s largest pan-city music event kicks off in style this weekend, and as many of the events are free there’s plenty of opportunity to be spontaneous.  Throughout the festival there are more than 30 jazz events per night to choose from: check the event website for full programme details and prices. 9-18 Nov 

Egypt in England, Wellington Arch

From Cleopatra’s Needle to Highgate Cemetery, London’s long association with Egypt is highly visible. Head to this interesting exhibition to learn about England’s involvement with Egypt and how it came to influence the country’s buildings and interiors. After the exhibition, pop upstairs to the roof for unique views of Buckingham Palace and the surrounding landscape. 7 Nov-13 Jan 

Ansel Adams: Photography from the Mountains to the Sea, at the National Maritime Museum

This exhibition presents a rare chance to see works by legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams in the UK. Although Adams is best known for his pictures of the American Midwest, this exhibition explores his other passion – water. More than 100 photographs are on display, covering everything from waterfalls to rivers and confirming his reputation as a truly exceptional photographer. 9 Nov-28 Apr

More London events

It’s almost time for the Lord Mayor’s Show in London and, for the curators at the Museum of London, this means they’ve got quite a complicated task on their hands.

Here’s a quick video highlighting one of the Museum of London’s best treasures – the Lord Mayor’s Coach – and explaining the work that goes into manoeuvering the coach out of the gallery for this special show each year.

Find out more about the Lord Mayor’s Show, taking place on 10 November this year.

Giant inflatable teddy bears, a walking Big Ben and a spectacular fireworks display are a few of the wonderful sights caught on camera by members of the Visit London Flickr group at the Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday.

Did you go to the Lord Mayor’s Show this weekend? Tell us all about it in the comments below and add your pics to Visit London’s Flickr pool tagged “Lord Mayor’s Show”.

This week’s photo is of the Lord Mayor’s impressive state coach being returned to the Museum of London after last weekend’s Lord Mayor’s Show. The coach is normally pulled by horses but required specially designed skates and plenty of manpower to manoeuvre it back into the museum.

The coach will be on display in the windows of the new modern galleries which open at the museum in spring 2010.

If you’ve seen anything shiny in London this week, snap it and add it to the Visit London Flickr pool and we could be featuring your photo!

This weekend, it’s time for the Lord Mayor’s Show.

A celebration of diversity in the capital, the Lord Mayor’s Show sees more than 6,000 people walk through the streets in a colourful procession of acrobats, costumes, music and dancing.

The procession begins at 11am at Mansion House following a military flypast. It will travel down Cheapside to St Paul’s Cathedral, where the Lord Mayor will be blessed before proceeding to the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.

At 5pm, the Lord Mayor launches a spectacular fireworks display on the Thames between Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge.

But what do you enjoy most about the annual Lord Mayor’s Show?

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