Andy Devaney
In a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of East London, West Ham United made history on Saturday by becoming the first Premier League club to take part in the Lady Mayor’s Show — one of the capital’s most enduring civic celebrations.
The annual parade, which stretches back more than 800 years, entered a new era this year as it was renamed the Lady Mayor’s Show, following the election of lifelong Hammers supporter, Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE, as the 697th Lord Mayor of London for 2025–26.
True to form, West Ham United’s float was impossible to miss — a rolling tribute to the club’s roots as Thames Ironworks FC, its historic achievements, diverse fanbase, and the extraordinary community work driven by the West Ham United Foundation.
As the float wound its way from Mansion House through the heart of the City of London, it was greeted by more than 350,000 spectators and watched by millions more worldwide. Amidst the roar of the crowd, claret and blue filled the streets, and the famous anthem “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” echoed between the skyscrapers.
Representing the club were Ambassador and former winger Matt Jarvis, Foundation Ambassador Bobby Seagull, and participants from several Foundation programmes — each embodying the club’s deep ties to East London and its people.
Joseph Lyons, CEO of the West Ham United Foundation, captured the pride of the day: “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.”
Jarvis, clearly enjoying every step, said the event was more than just a parade — it was a reflection of what makes the club unique. “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 and broadcaster Bobby Seagull echoed the sentiment, reflecting on how moments like this tie the club’s history together. “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.”
For TH, a former Foundation participant turned teacher and mentor, the day was deeply personal.
“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.”
From its ironworks origins to its place in London’s civic history books, West Ham United once again showed that football, at its best, is about far more than goals and trophies — it’s about community, pride, and belonging.
