Celebrating their 150th anniversary, the highlight of the Cockney calendar, the annual parade of London’s Pearly Kings and Queens Costermongers Harvest Festival featuring the fabulous Pearlies, resplendent in their hand-sewn pearl embroidered costumes, and joined by 18 Mayors of London, takes place at the Guildhall Yard, London between 1.15pm to 4pm on Sunday, 21st September 2025
The event features a cultural festival of singing, dancing and fun including an 80-stong rock choir, marching band, City of London dignitaries, cub scouts and Chelsea pensioners creating a colourful, historic pageant with a procession to St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, home of the cherished ‘Bow Bells of London’, where a traditional large harvest plait of seasoned bread will be presented as part of a Harvest Festival thanksgiving service.
As well as delighting tourists with appearances at historic venues, festivals and charity events, the Pearlies visit hospitals, care homes and pubs, bringing smiles and good cheer, and occasional ‘knees up’ or singalong to raise the spirits. Over the last years, the London Pearl Kings and Queens Charity Fund has raised over £29,000 for London and Home Counties charities.
Taking part in the parade are notable Pearlies including:
• Nicola, Pearly Queen of Welwyn Garden City, whose title came down to her via her grandmother, a Londoner who was allowed to take the title to Welwyn after World War Two, when her husband was rehoused there.
• Daisy, Maudie, Pearly Princesses of Fulham and Jasmine, Pearly Consort
• Clive and Kim, Pearly King and Queen of Woolwich, experienced members of ‘Cockney royalty’, often working together at functions and major events like the London Olympics.
The Pearlies, started in 1875 by a 14-year-old orphan street sweeper Henry Croft (1861-1939) who collected money for charity and wore the stylish costume inspired by London’s costermongers. The Pearly Kings and Queens are an iconic feature of London culture with their traditional mother-of-pearl decorated costume The Pearlies are now divided into several active groups who are all committed to raising money for London and Home Counties based charities.
The Pearlies now includes a dynasty of young ‘Princes’, ‘Princesses’ and ‘Consorts’. These modern youngsters must, like their older colleagues, sew dozens of pearl buttons to their historic and trendy outfits, collect for their precious charity and uphold values of kindness and care, as well as upholding the Cockney spirit of enjoy themselves.
“We are honoured marking the 150th anniversary of the Pearly tradition,” said Clive Bennett, Pearly King of Woolwich. “This event 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. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, this celebration of community and tradition is not to be missed.”