The Office has two branches dealing with functions arranged by
the City such as State and Guest of Government and commemorative
events and the other dealing with Committee based functions,
arrangements for meetings of the Court of Aldermen, Common Council
and Common Hall at Guildhall and the use of Guildhall by outside
organisations.
Functions arranged on behalf of the Lord Mayor and the City
Corporation range from small receptions to major national occasions
such as State or Guest of Government visits. These cover Royal
Occasions, State Banquets, hospitality for visiting Heads of State
and Government, reciprocal hospitality for visiting Mayors,
receptions and luncheons given to distinguished organisations and
individuals. The Office also has responsibility for the Lord
Mayor’s Banquet and elements of the Lord Mayor’s Day at Guildhall
and at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The visits to which the State and Guests of Government
hospitality are linked usually incorporate a significant business
theme. Consistent with the City Corporation’s role in supporting
the City as a financial centre, there is an increased emphasis on
complementing major set piece occasions with business meetings and
the office works closely with the FCO, UK T&I, and other
agencies in developing opportunities for a working City business
element during such visits. A good working relationship with the
City Corporation's Economic Development and Public Relations
Offices as well as Mansion House has been built to deliver such
meetings.
The Guildhall may be made available for hire and private
banquets, receptions and conferences. Recommendations about
applications are subject of a report by the City Remembrancer to
the City Corporations's City Lands and Bridge House estates
committee and (in relation to the Great Hall) to the Court of
Common Council. The areas which may be hired are the Great Hall,
the Crypts, Guildhall Art Gallery and, occasionally, Guildhall
Yard. Guildhall is a Grade I Listed Building. It is the City
Corporation’s policy to retain the Guildhall as a prestigious venue
and permission to use it reflects this policy.
The team dealing with private events also have responsibility
for a variety of domestic ceremonial events, administrative
arrangements for meetings of the Common Council and Court of
Aldermen and functions hosted by Chairmen of Committees. They also
administer the arrangements for the admission of Lord Mayor at the
'Silent Ceremony' and the election of Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor
by the Court of Common Hall.
Guildhall hire
About the rooms available for hire
Notable past events