As the City prepares to celebrate its second annual Pepys Day, Michael Mainelli tells us why the diarist is worth celebrating – with lots of champagne

Friday, 5 September 2025, marks the second annual Pepys Day in London. If you missed last year’s inaugural celebration, you’ll want to grab your quill and parchment (or smartphone) to register immediately. Samuel Pepys and his diaries of the Great Fire are to London as James Joyce and Bloomsday are to Dublin.

Picture this: 225 history enthusiasts wandering through the City of London’s ancient streets last September, champagne glasses clinking at Mansion House and countless selfies taken beside the Monument. The first Pepys Day was a roaring success featuring wonderful walks led by City of London Guides from the Monument at 10:00 and ending at Mansion House at noon, whereupon we toasted much champagne in celebration.

Why celebrate Pepys on 5 September? Clearly, we’ve picked a Friday closest to the anniversary of the Great Fire of........

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