Chinese performers bring diversity to London's Lord Mayor's Show

Alderman Nicholas Lyons, 694th Lord Mayor of the City of London, waves to crowds during the Lord Mayor's Show in London, Britain, on Nov. 12, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The annual "Lord Mayor's Show" was held Saturday in the City of London. Chinese participants once again staged eye-catching performances during the parade and brought diversity to the show.

With military bands, university teams and social organizations included, the parade marched from Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, and through some other landmarks, displaying the city's ancient and modern looks in parallel with demonstrating its enthusiasm and culture.

A team from the Zhejiang UK Association (ZJUKA) takes part in the Lord Mayor's Show in London, Britain, on Nov. 12, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Alderman Nicholas Lyons, 694th Lord Mayor of the City of London, traveled in a golden carriage and waved to crowds.

Among the processions, a team from the Zhejiang UK Association (ZJUKA), themed "Hope, Home, Harmony, Health", showcased Chinese traditional performances like the dragon ribbon dance and waist drum dance, which received praise from the audience.

Participants take part in the Lord Mayor's Show in London, Britain, on Nov. 12, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Wearing panda costumes, Zhang Yueyue and Zhang Gangming took part in the parade for the first time. Despite their weariness after the parade, the couple said they felt excited and fulfilled because they were part of the cultural exchanges between China and Britain.

"We would like to add diversity and vibrancy to the City of London," Huang Ping, the association's president, told Xinhua. she said that her team participated in the Lord Mayor's Show for the fourth time and has prepared for this year's show for more than five months.

Participants take part in the Lord Mayor's Show in London, Britain, on Nov. 12, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Apart from the ZJUKA, the China Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London took part in this year's Lord Mayor's Show, displaying Chinese traditional features during the parade.

Every year, around 7,000 people, 200 horses and more than 100 processions participate in the Lord Mayor's Show which has a history of over 800 years.

Originating from the tradition that each year a new lord mayor is elected to represent the traditional business center of London and must travel from the City to Westminster to swear loyalty to the king or queen, the show has now become a carnival for residents.