Southampton's 801st Right Worshipful Mayor, and second Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Valerie Laurent, was sworn in at a 'Mayor Making' ceremony on Wednesday 17 May 2023.
A series of special Lord Mayor events in support of the Lord Mayor's chosen charities will take place through the year. You can find out more about these below.
Lord Mayor Valerie Laurent
Councillor Laurent became the 801st Mayor and second Lord Mayor of Southampton on Wednesday 17 May 2023 following her year as Sheriff of the City.
Lord Mayor Valerie Laurent
Lord Mayor Laurent’s chosen charities are Oasis Southampton City Farm, Southampton Sea Cadets and Saints Foundation.
Sheriff Dave Shields
Councillor Shields takes on the role of 586th Sheriff of Southampton.
Honorary Admiral of the Port
The Lord Mayor of Southampton is the Honorary Admiral of the Port.
Originally Maritime trade and domestic maritime problems were handled by common law. This was until the 14th century, when local customs started to be relied on to deal with these matters. Over time maritime law and jurisdiction developed in boroughs which were home to ports, such as Southampton.
Southampton is where, it is said, the first admiralty courts were held, soon after Henry VI’s specific grant in 1451.
These honours were bestowed to acknowledge the tremendous contribution the port had made to the country by "the eminence it had attained in overseas trade" and the Lord Mayors "Admiralty Jurisdiction" extended from Hurst Castle in the West to Langstone on the East - and included Portsmouth. Power was given to the mayor to exercise all the functions of Admiral of England within the town and port of Southampton.
As Admiral of the Port, the Lord Mayor also has their own flag, a traditional Admirals Flag of red St. George’s Cross on a white background with a black anchor motif in the canton.
Invite the Lord Mayor to your engagement
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Before you start
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This diary is updated regularly and every effort is made to ensure all events are accurate and up to date. However, some events and dates may be changed at the last minute, therefore we apologise for any inconvenience caused in such cases.
Thursday 4 April
Lord Mayor attending Roverang Scout and Guide Show
Sunday 7 April
Lord Mayor starting the ABP Southampton Marathon
Tuesday 9 April
Lord Mayor attending Citizenship Ceremonies in the Civic
Wednesday 10 April
Lord Mayor attending Social Work Programme Annual Conference at the Spark, Solent University
Thursday 11 April
Lord Mayor hosting a visit from Southampton Swimming Club
Sunday 14 April
Lord Mayor’s Charity Classic Car Display Event at WestQuay
Lord Mayor attending SAKKS event
Tuesday 16 April
Lord Mayor attending Community Playlink AGM
Wednesday 17 April
Lord Mayor Civic Morning hosting a visit from Mayors/Chairmans from other areas
Thursday 18 April
Lord Mayor attending East Hants Civic Day
Friday 19 April
Lord Mayor attending Fareham Charity Ball
Saturday 20 April
Lord Mayor attending Test Valley Charity Ball
Monday 22 April
Lord Mayor attending New Foster Carer Evening
Tuesday 23 April
Lord Mayor attending Southampton Rotary Club Lunch
Wednesday 24 April
Lord Mayor hosting an awards presentation in connection with the KAVS
Saturday 27 April
Lord Mayor attending Southampton Choral Society concert
Sunday 28 April
Lord Mayor attending New Forest Civic Service
Monday 29 April
Lord Mayor attending Queen Anne Plaque Ceremony
Lord Mayor hosting a visit from Home Farm School
Tuesday 30 April
Lord Mayor attending the City Farm with pre-school children
Lord Mayor hosting a visit from Home Farm School
Sheriff's diary summarySHOW
This diary is updated regularly and every effort is made to ensure all events are accurate and up to date. However, some events and dates may be changed at the last minute, therefore we apologise for any inconvenience caused in such cases.
Thursday 11 April
Sheriff attending Citizenship Ceremonies in the Civic
Sunday 14 April
Sheriff attending the 35 years Vaisakhi procession
Saturday 27 April
Sheriff attending Charity Vaishakhi Mela event
Contact details
The Lord Mayor's Office provides support for the Lord Mayor and Sheriff. The office manages their diaries and provides information and guidance for groups and organisations who wish to invite the Lord Mayor to events.
Southampton's 801st Right Worshipful Mayor, and second Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Valerie Laurent, was sworn in at a 'Mayor Making' ceremony on Wednesday 17 May 2023.
