Southampton's 802nd Right Worshipful Mayor, and third Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor David Shields, was sworn in at a 'Mayor Making' ceremony on Wednesday 15 May 2024.
Councillor James Baillie takes on the role of 587th Sheriff of Southampton.
Lord Mayor David Shields
Councillor Shields became the 802nd Mayor and third Lord Mayor of Southampton on Wednesday 15 May 2024.
Lord Mayor David Shields
Lord Mayor Shield's chosen charities are So Co Music Project, Paintings in Hospitals and Southampton National Park City Project.
Sheriff James Baillie
Councillor Baillie takes on the role of 587th 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.
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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.
Saturday 1 February
Lord Mayor attending Go Outdoors store refurbishment reopening
Lord Mayor attending Chinese New Year celebrations
Lord Mayor attending Southampton Music Hub’s Annual String Pyramid Concert
Monday 3 February
Lord Mayor hosting visit from 11 Beavers Group
Tuesday 4 February
Lord Mayor hosting visit from Chinese students
Friday 7 February
Lord Mayor hosting visit from Chinese students
Lord Mayor attending Cachalots Sea Pie Supper
Saturday 8 February
Lord Mayor attending Vedic Society Hindu Temple Celebration
Lord Mayor attending Spring Gala
Saturday 15 February
Lord Mayor attending 103 Birthday Celebration Bupa Oak Lodge
Lord Mayor attending The Creation by Haydn joined by the Conchord Singers
Tuesday 18 February
Citizenship ceremonies
Wednesday 19 February
Lord Mayor attending opening of refurbished care home
Thursday 20 February
Lord Mayor attending Western Section annual lunch
Friday 21 February
Lord Mayor attending closing event for the Jane Austen Exhibition
Sunday 23 February
Lord Mayor attending Indo-Pak Food Festival
Tuesday 25 February
Citizenship ceremonies
Wednesday 26 February
Full council meeting
Lord Mayor attending God’s House Tower Photographic Exhibition
Thursday 27 February
Lord Mayor attending Saints Foundation’s Our Impact event
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.
Saturday 1 February
Sheriff attending Southampton Lunar New Year Market
Saturday 8 February
Sheriff attending Chinese New Year 2025 Celebration at MAST
Wednesday 26 February
Full council meeting
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 802nd Right Worshipful Mayor, and third Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor David Shields, was sworn in at a 'Mayor Making' ceremony on Wednesday 15 May 2024.
