Too darned hot.

Armed Forces' Day: City of London Corporation's Flag Raising Event

24th June 2026

Guildhall

Reassembling after lunch in all corners of the City, the Masters of the Companies were ushed into the Guildhall for the Armed Forces' Day Flag Raising Ceremony.

This usually takes place in Guildhall Yard, but as temperatures in the confines of the polished stone Yard were reaching 40 degrees, the ceremony was moved inside and the Guildhall was converted into a parade ground for the afternoon which sadly meant the general public were excluded.

This year, as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Submarine Service (the "silent" service), the ceremony was led by the Royal Navy, with music from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, and cadets from the Greater London Reserve Forces Association, with the Navy represented by Rear Admiral Andy Perks, Head of the Submarine Service and Director Submarines. The submariners were joined by representatives from the Army and RAF.

We stood behind a crimson rope, with glasses of cool water at hand, as the Royal Marines' band entered the Hall, followed by standard bearers of various regiments, The Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley, Sheriffs, Aldermen, ceremonial officers from City of London Police and others. The various ceremonies were conducted and eventually everyone marched smartly out.

Tea and sandwiches were popular with those in uniform: those of us who'd eaten Livery Hall lunches were less enthusiastic about joining the queue.

I emerged into the heat to walk to Mansion House, where the next event awaited: a celebration of 125 Years of the Submarine Service (see next blog post).