Team members from 15 of Greene King’s London pubs have been drafted in to create props and costumes that will bring their pubs to life via a bespoke float fashioned from one of their drays.
Making its first appearance at the Lord Mayor's Show, Greene King will be 32nd in the 144 float procession between the CCA Art Bus – a mobile gallery created by Sir Peter Blake and CCA Galleries - and the London Regiment.
The Lord Mayor’s Show, which dates back to 1251, is a procession to take the newly-elected Lord Mayor of London to Westminster to swear fealty to the Monarch of the day.
"Real privilege"
Rooney Anand, Greene King’s chief executive, said: “We feel it is a real privilege to have been asked to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show and are really looking forward to being part of such a historic event.
“We are fortunate to have some of the city’s most characterful and iconic pubs so we have decided to showcase some of them on our float. From the Punch & Judy in Covent Garden to the historic George Inn in Southwark, our team members will bring to life our characterful pubs with enthusiasm and excitement.”
As part of a company wide competition marking the occasion, Greene King offered employees with the best ideas of how to bring a carnival atmosphere to the streets of London the chance to join the show on the brewer’s float.
"Dream come true"
Competition winner Karen Long, of Greene King’s Pub Partners division, said: “I’ve been going to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show since I was seven-years-old and have taken my son as he grew up. My family and I were raised in London and have generations going back to the 1700s. It’s been a dream come true winning a space to represent Greene King on the day. I plan to use my experience with my local operatic and dramatic society to help entertain the crowds!”
Long will be joined by Nuala Bennett-Wilford, winner of Greene King’s Local Pub’s Summer of Sound competition. Bennett-Wilford won an online vote to be chosen as a finalist for Greene King’s musical talent competition earlier this year, and will sing from Greene King’s float on Saturday.