Banquets and Buffets
The Carmen's year is a busy one.
It opens with a quarterly Installation Court, followed by the Cart Hiring ceremony, which commemorates the ancient tradition of cart hiring in the City, and then a formal meal.
The January, April and July Courts also precede such a gathering - January for charity, April with military friends and July a purely domestic occasion.
In March every year, by permission of the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor, the Carmen hold their annual Banquet at the Mansion House, where the Lord Mayor presents Company awards.
After each service, less formal meals are enjoyed, often on a buffet basis, which also typifies the annual Master's Event.
From time to time a Ball is held, and every other year a Golf Day, with a special trophy.
Every other year the Carmen's Lecture is given, followed by supper, and the first debate will also include a meal.
The largest event is the annual Cart Marking ceremony and lunch at Guildhall, which reflects the original goods licensing system.
The smallest is the Court's Ladies' Night, at the end of the Master's year.
The most catholic is the Masters' and Clerks' luncheon, where Carmen entertain and thank other Liveries for their kindness and cooperation.
There are also regional events for Carmen who live too far from London to attend every other function.
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