From Fields to the City

From Fields to the City: Reflecting on the Lady Mayor’s Show

Each November the streets of the City of London come alive with centuries of tradition, pageantry and pride as the Lady Mayor’s Show winds through the capital. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the first time in over 800 years that the historic procession has celebrated a Lady Mayor.

At S Thorogood and Sons we see more than spectacle in moments like this. The Lady Mayor’s Show is a reminder of how deeply British identity is rooted in tradition, community and continuity. These are values that echo through our own fields and farms.

A Celebration of Craft and Community

The Lady Mayor’s Show honours the inauguration of the new Lord or Lady Mayor of the City of London, a role dating back to the 13th century. The procession brings together thousands of participants, including livery companies, civic organisations, charities and businesses, each representing a different thread of British life.

Much like the parade itself, our food industry relies on collaboration. Growers, wholesalers and chefs each play a vital part in bringing the harvest from field to table. It is a shared story of effort, pride and dedication.

Tradition with Purpose

In many ways the Lady Mayor’s Show mirrors the rhythm of British farming. Both rely on heritage while embracing the future. Both depend on people who care deeply about their craft. And both remind us that the strength of our communities lies in connection, between city and countryside, between producer and consumer and between history and progress.

At S Thorogood and Sons we take pride in supplying the best of British seasonal produce from trusted growers. Our roots lie in the fields of Essex where the Thorogood family has farmed for generations, growing crops such as Thorogood Asparagus with care and commitment to the land.

When we see the City celebrate its traditions, we are reminded that farming is its own form of ceremony, unfolding quietly through the seasons and sustaining both people and place.

Celebrating the British Story

From the frost of early mornings on the farm to the vibrant energy of the market halls, British agriculture and trade remain intertwined. The Lady Mayor’s Show symbolises the same values that guide our work, heritage, craftsmanship and the spirit of working together.

As the Lady Mayor’s carriage rolled through the streets of London, we thought of the generations of growers, farmers and traders who have kept Britain fed. Their story, like the Show itself, continues to evolve while honouring its roots.