July events: Watch a traditional Cart Marking ceremony

For over 500 years, every July, the Worshipful Company of Carmen bring their vintage vehicles (usually including horse-drawn wagons and carriages, steamers, veteran and vintage lorries, buses and coaches, and modern trucks and tractor units) to be branded with a red-hot iron by the Lord Mayor of London. Featured in the brand is the year letter and the car number as a reminder of the Carmen's centuries of service to the City.

The event (which takes place in Guildhall Yard in the City of London) sees each vehicle brought forward for the Master’s inspection, before being branded by the Keeper of Guildhall. The duties of the Keeper are shared with the Lord Mayor, and also the Master Carman.

Afterwards the Lord Mayor, Sheriff, Master Carman and Wardens doff their caps as each vehicle passes the rostrum, and then Carmen, partners and guests join in fellowship for lunch in the Great Hall.

Carmen’s Cart Marking Ceremony 2019 takes place at 10:10am on Wednesday 17 July, and is completely free to attend.