Pearly Kings and Queens to lead procession through City of London

The annual Costermongers Harvest Festivalon on Sunday 20th September begins in Guildhall Yard with an 80-strong Rock Choir, Morris and maypole dancing, a marching band and songs performed by members of the Pearly Kings and Queens Society

London’s Pearly Kings and Queens will bring music, dance and traditional pageantry to the City of London for the annual Costermongers Harvest Festival, a free celebration taking place from 1.30pm to 4pm on Sunday 20th September.

The event begins in Guildhall Yard with an 80-strong rock choir, Morris and maypole dancing, a marching band and songs performed by members of the Pearly Kings and Queens Society.

Pearlies in their distinctive mother-of-pearl costumes will lead a procession through the City, joined by more than 30 of London’s mayors and their partners, overseas dignitaries, Cub Scouts and Chelsea Pensioners.

The parade goes from Guildhall Yard via Gresham Street and St Martin’s le Grand to St Mary-le-Bow on Cheapside, home of the celebrated Bow Bells. A thanksgiving service will follow, including the presentation of a traditional plaited harvest loaf.

Now in its 28th year, the festival celebrates London’s costermonger heritage, the Pearlies’ long tradition of charitable fundraising and the city’s diverse communities.

Visitors will also be able to meet Pearly Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses, to hear what the tradition means to them today.

“The London Pearly Kings and Queens Costermongers Harvest Festival is a testament to the enduring spirit of our city and the diverse communities that make London so vibrant. We invite everyone to join us for a day of entertainment, cultural heritage and unity,” said Clive Bennett, Pearly King of Woolwich.

The Pearly tradition dates to Henry Croft, a London orphan and street sweeper who covered a suit in mother-of-pearl buttons and collected money for charity in the late 19th century. Inspired by the costermongers’ decorative clothing and mutual support, his example helped establish a movement that has raised funds for people in need for more than 150 years.

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