Shake-up for Lord Mayor's Procession 2024 in Norwich

The annual celebration will be on Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 2024, with a whole host of free things to do. 

The Lord Mayor's Procession will be on Saturday afternoon, featuring a colourful carnival parade of musical bands, dancers, acrobats, giant puppets, walking floats and costumed groups. 

A giant puppet at the Lord Mayor's Procession 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

It will wind its way around the streets of Norwich, headed up by the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Norwich in their ceremonial robes and watched by thousands of onlookers.

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The 2024 parade theme is 'Carnival Spirit' and Norwich City Council is hoping for more entries from local schools this year. 

There will be a shake-up to the procession as its previous route will be reversed - it will instead start at Norwich Cathedral and finish in Chapelfield Gardens.

Onlookers line the streets for the Lord Mayor's Procession 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

Expect a full programme of family-friendly activities in the park all day on Saturday, followed by a music gig in the evening.

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Other highlights across the weekend include the Great Norwich Duck Race at Lady Julian Bridge at Norwich Riverside on Sunday. 

The parade features many community groups and local schools (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Mike Stonard, Norwich council leader, said: "We’re very proud to host one of the oldest annual mayoral processions in the country.

"It dates back to medieval days and its historic pageantry is part of the vibrant backdrop of our fine city, providing an ideal opportunity for everyone who lives, works or visits us to come together in an enjoyable atmosphere of community spirit.

“The overall message for the weekend is ‘Norwich Loves You’, flagging up that the city has long been a place where everyone is safe and all are welcomed, whatever community they come from.”