Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival

How it began

Costermongers, London’s street traders of fruit and vegetables, had their own elected 'kings’ to stand up for them, and decorated their clothes with rows of pearl buttons. In the late 19th century Henry Croft, an orphan who worked as a street sweeper, took the idea further, covering a whole suit in buttons to attract attention while he collected for charity. Others followed, and pearly families spread across London’s boroughs, with titles passed down through generations. Raising money for good causes remains at the heart of the tradition, and the harvest festival celebrates both costermonger heritage and the capital’s communities.

What happens on the day

In 2026 the Pearlies assembled in Guildhall Yard from 1.30pm, with maypole and morris dancing, rousing sing-alongs of cockney standards and plenty of photo opportunities. At around 2.30pm the procession, joined by mayors, Scouts, Chelsea Pensioners and a large rock choir, set off via Gresham Street and St Martin’s le Grand to St Mary-le-Bow on Cheapside, home of the Bow Bells. There a harvest thanksgiving service included the presentation of a plaited harvest loaf, finishing around 4pm. Donations for charity are collected in pearly caps, so bring some change.

Tips for the day

Arrive early in Guildhall Yard to get close to the Pearlies, who are usually happy to pose for photos. Walk alongside the procession to Cheapside, but bear in mind St Mary-le-Bow gets crowded and space for the service is limited. It suits children well. A separate harvest festival is held by the Original Pearly Kings and Queens Association at St Martin-in-the-Fields in early October (Sunday 4 October in 2026), if you can’t make this one.

Finding a spot

First decide what you’re most keen on: admiring the decorated suits in the yard, watching the procession wind through the City, or going to the service. Each is a different part of the day. In 2026 the Pearly Society’s Costermongers Harvest Festival gathered in Guildhall Yard, but no running order for a future year has been published yet. Wait for the next announcement to pick your spot — an old assembly time won’t guarantee you a view.

Around the Pearlies, give performers and other visitors room to move. Ask before taking a close-up portrait, especially if someone is collecting or chatting to a family. A hand-sewn suit is for admiring, not touching. If you walk with the procession, go where the people managing it direct you, and don’t step backwards into the road for a photo. At the church, follow the welcome team’s lead and remember the service is an act of worship. A good spot outside doesn’t save you a seat inside.

Practical bits

Getting there and home

Guildhall Yard is in the heart of the City, off Gresham Street. Nearest Underground stations are Bank, St Paul’s and Moorgate, and mainline trains run to Cannon Street, Moorgate and City Thameslink, all within a 10-minute walk. The City is quiet on Sundays, so check weekend engineering works and station opening hours before you go. Driving is not recommended; there is little parking and the procession closes roads briefly.

Access and families

Plan the walk between the yard and the church as well as your journey into London. If cobbles, kerbs, standing or crowds make things tricky, ask the Society and the church about a suitable viewing spot and which entrance to use. No seating, accessible platform or toilets have been announced specifically for the next festival. A clear explanation of what you need will get you further than relying on the fact that it’s a free public event.

Younger visitors will find plenty to look at in the buttons and costumes long before anyone explains costermongers or civic titles. Let them gaze without getting in the way of a performer or collector, and agree a meeting place in case your group gets split up on the move to Cheapside. Keep an adult with the pushchair or with a child who can’t see easily, rather than trying to hold several spots in the crowd. Take a quiet break before the church service if you need one. Check a café’s or attraction’s facilities directly — being open to customers doesn’t make it a public toilet.

Questions people ask

Which harvest festival is this?

This guide covers the Pearly Society’s Costermongers Harvest Festival, which starts in Guildhall Yard and processes to St Mary-le-Bow. Other Pearly groups hold their own events.

Is the next date confirmed?

The official listing is for the 20 September 2026 event, which has passed. Watch the Society’s calendar for the next announcement.

Does watching outside guarantee a seat in church?

No. Follow the church welcome team’s directions, and arrange any seating or access needs in advance.

Can I touch the button-covered suits?

Admire them, and ask before taking a close-up portrait. Give collectors and performers room, and don’t touch anyone’s clothing unless invited.

Plan your trip

Stay the night

Search places to stay in and around London. Add your dates once the next one is confirmed. Rooms near popular events go early, so check cancellation terms.

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Nearest station: London Cannon Street

Guildhall Yard is a short walk from Cannon Street, Moorgate and City Thameslink stations, and from Bank and St Paul’s Underground stations. Sunday services in the City can be reduced, so check before you set off.

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Where it is

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Make a weekend of it

Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre are right on hand if your day starts in the yard. Admission is free; booking is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Check for special closures before making it your pre-festival plan. A gallery visit is a lovely way to spend time in the City before the gathering, as long as you leave plenty of time to get back outside without a scramble.

St Paul’s Cathedral is another option, but sightseeing and worship are different things. Sightseeing tickets cover areas including the Cathedral Floor, Crypt and Dome Galleries, and sightseeing runs Monday to Saturday — so a Sunday harvest-festival trip may not include the same visitor route. Go on a separate day for the full sightseeing visit, or check its service information if you want to attend worship. The Pearlies, meanwhile, are heading to St Mary-le-Bow, a different church altogether. Keep the names straight and you’ll avoid a needless detour, with the festival’s own service the focus of your afternoon.

Odd things nearby

Doggett’s Coat and Badge Race 1 miles away, Once a year in late summer, timed to the tide; recently early September (2026: Wednesday 2 September)
Ceremony of the Keys 1 miles away, Every night of the year at 9.30pm (free tickets, released in batches and snapped up fast)
Oranges and Lemons Service 1 miles away, Around the third Thursday in March

Also in September

Braemar Gathering Braemar, Aberdeenshire
World Stone Skimming Championships Easdale Island, Argyll
Widecombe Fair Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon
Abbots Bromley Horn Dance Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire

Featured in London’s Oddest Traditions & Ceremonies, Odd Day Trips From London.

About this guide

Check before you go. The 2027 date and running order had not been published at the time of writing; check the Pearly Society’s event page nearer the time.

About the date. The 2026 Costermongers Harvest Festival was held on Sunday 20 September 2026 (Waltham Forest Echo, Londonist). No 2027 date has been announced.

Researched from the sources below and last checked on 22 October 2026. We haven’t visited every event or tested every journey, and the organiser’s own information always wins.