West Ham United made history on Saturday as the Club became the first Premier League team to take part in the Lady Mayor’s Show – one of London’s most iconic and longstanding civic celebrations.
The annual parade, which dates back over 800 years, this year marked its first as the Lady Mayor’s Show following the election of lifelong West Ham supporter, Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE, as the 697th Lord Mayor of London for 2025-26.
West Ham United’s float took its place near the front of the three-mile long procession, showcasing the history and legends of the Club since its formation as Thames Ironworks FC in 1895, the Hammers’ achievements and diversity and the community work delivered by the Club’s Foundation.
The float travelled from Mansion House through the heart of the City of London, cheered on by more than 350,000 spectators and watched by millions more around the world.
Representing the Club on the day were Club Ambassador and former West Ham player Matt Jarvis and Foundation Ambassador Bobby Seagull, along with participants from a number of West Ham United Foundation community programmes, celebrating the impact of the Club’s work in east London and beyond. The float highlighted the Hammers’ proud history, diversity and ongoing commitment to creating positive social change.
CEO of the West Ham United Foundation, Joseph Lyons said: “We were incredibly proud to be part of such a historic moment for London and for the City’s communities. The Lady Mayor’s Show brings together organisations that play an important role in civic and social life, and it was powerful to see our participants, staff and ambassadors representing West Ham United at the heart of it.
“West Ham United Foundation exists to create opportunities, build confidence and support people across east London and beyond. Having those who directly benefit from our programmes at the centre of our presence today is a reminder of why this work matters and the impact it continues to have.”
Former winger Jarvis was all smiles as the West Ham float wound its way through the streets of the City of London.
He said: “It’s a community, it’s a family and everyone’s here enjoying themselves with the smiles on everyone’s faces and interacting with the crowds as well. That’s one of the best parts about it, joining in with the fans singing ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ or ‘Come on you Irons’.
“The outreach that we have as a Club, the family feel that we have as a Club, with such passion and desire from supporters, from staff, from everyone in the community, is great, and that is ultimately why we are here.
“The Lady Mayor is an inspiration, being able to break down barriers, and to be the first to take the title is always an amazing achievement and the fact she’s a West Ham fan is even better.”
Foundation Ambassador, maths teacher and broadcaster Seagull said: “I was with West Ham when they won the Europa Conference League on the balcony in Stratford, celebrating with all our players, and then today to come with West Ham and be the first football club to be part of the Lady Mayor’s parade, it’s historic.
“So, to be part of two historic occasions is a lovely full-circle moment.”
Former Foundation participant TH has gone on to become a teacher and mentor to many young people and regularly returns to the Foundation. He was honoured to take part in the Lady Mayor’s Show and hopes it inspires youngsters from similar backgrounds to aspire to do special things.
TH said: “I’m very honoured to be here and I can honestly say it is one of the most special days of my life, and the reason I say that is because we’re walking down these famous streets in London, we’re wearing the famous colours of Claret and Blue and never in my life did I expect that I would be worthy of doing this. I feel like anybody from the local area that sees West Ham on any wall, on any shirt, any scarf, they should be able to dream about doing something like this today.
“Being local, understanding the demographic of the local area, understanding what it means to be an east Londoner, and then to be in a position of power and responsibility. I mean, it’s so amazing and she’s honestly a trailblazer. It’s inspirational, and I feel like young boys and girls that look up to the Dame and I honestly wish her nothing but the best, nothing but success.”
