THE Lord Mayor’s Show, Classic Motor Show, IWM History Festival and fireworks are all coming to the UK this November.
It’s going to be an exciting season of events and here’s all you need to know to get involved.
Saturday November 9, 11am from Mansion House
The City of London’s annual pageant dates back over 800 years to the reign of King John. He granted the capital a mayor in 1215 on the condition he go to Westminster to swear loyalty once a year.
Join the crowds from 11am as they line the three-mile route from Mansion House past the Royal Courts of Justice via St Paul’s, Cheapside and Fleet Street and watch this grand celebration of English heritage unfold.
This year will see over 7,000 participants, 200 horses and around 150 floats with military bands, historic livery companies, along with community groups, charities and, most importantly, the stunning gold coach containing the 695th Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Mainelli. It’s traditional England at its best.
Further information at cityoflondon.gov.uk
From Friday November 8
It’s that time of year when the nights go with a bang. Guy Fawkes Night fell on a Tuesday this year, meaning most firework displays took place last weekend.
There are a few notable exceptions below (tickets may well be needed) – and do check locally for your nearest display.
Leeds Castle, Kent, November 9 & 10
The annual display takes place in the grounds of the grand medieval castle.
Along with the fireworks there will be street food, drink, music, projections and lasers bouncing around the castle walls.
Avon Valley, November 8 & 9
A huge planned display of fireworks will be choreographed to a fizzing soundtrack. Plus funfair rides, food stalls and mulled wine.
Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks, Saturday November 9
Located at the airfield, this is one of the UK’s bigger displays (two in fact, with one for kids), plus a light show choreographed to music along with fairground rides, food and drink.
From November 8-10, 10am at the NEC, Birmingham
The NEC hosts the UK’s biggest annual indoor classic car show. There will be displays of classic cars, bikes and commercial vehicles plus talks, workshops, trade stands – and even auctions, if you fancy driving off with one of your own.
This year there will be 3,000 cars including – on the 100th anniversary of Carroll Shelby’s birthday – eight GT40s, with one in the legendary 1966 livery as driven by the late Brit legend Ken Miles.
On display will be two pre-war Land Speed Record Sunbeams.
All visitors get to vote in the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition.
Tickets and info at necclassicmotorshow.com
From November 23-24, 8.30am at Duxford Museum, Cambridgeshire
The Imperial War Museum’s airfield hosts a fascinating weekend programme of events that’s a must for anyone interested in the history of the Second World War.
Enjoy exclusive behind-the-ropes tours around a Hurricane and the US Air Force’s Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang.
Join historian, broadcaster, author and historic aeroplane pilot Paul Beaver on an immersive tour through the Battle of Britain Operations Room.
Book a special out-of-hours personal tour of the Explore AirSpace Hangar with Max Hastings or James Holland.
Attend fascinating talks from leading historians, including Damien Lewis who will uncover the real story behind The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare movie.
Clare Mulley recounts the moving story of female resistance fighter Agent Zo, and, in a live stream from the US, author Donald L Miller discusses the courageous men who were the basis for the Apple TV+ series, Masters of the Air, based on his book.
Get tickets at iwm.org.uk
