Hosted by The Worshipful Company of Woolmen, one special day – two unique events, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the atmosphere and spirit of this wonderful occasion.

A long-established charity event, celebrating a Freeman’s ancient “right” to bring sheep to market over the Thames, toll free; all in aid of raising funds for The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal. This year’s Sheep Drive took place on Southwark Bridge. Access is restricted to registered and pre-booked Freemen of the City of London and their guests, to enable the remainder of the bridge to be open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Located on Queen Street and Queen Street Place, the magnificent Livery Fair offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about the Sheep Drive and the wonderful causes it supports and – where livery and specialist wool companies celebrate their trades with interactive displays and sales of their wares. Other fun activities include expert blade shearing displays and some wonderful rare breed sheep!

The Sheep Drive & Livery Fair showcases the important enduring contribution of London’s livery companies, from the formation of the City of London in years gone by through to modern times, both in respect of the continuous evolution of sustainable trades and the important charitable endeavours in support of the various challenges we face today.

Please see below some more details from the Woolmen:

Dress code: For officers and officials, full robes and regalia with hats can be worn. However, some like to come in fancy dress e.g. Bo Peep or Shepherds.
Due to the fact that the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs are present in full regalia and the event will be televised with the press and photographers present it is recommended that men wear smart weekend/country attire with jacket, ties and badges and ladies, the equivalent. However, participants are walking behind sheep, so we advise suitable footwear
Freemen have asked (as is their right) if they can carry swords. The answer is NO in our controlled zone.

The day is truly fun, everyone enjoys it and it’s a great photo opportunity for all participants. The distance walked covers a small part of the bridge to accommodate as many drives as possible and furthermore there are limitations as to what we are allowed to do with the sheep.

All profits go to charity including the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Woolmen’s Charity. Many who drive come back year-on-year.

There is also a Wool and Livery Fair with about 40 stalls including food stalls. I recommend the lamb burgers!!

Emmanuel Cohen
Master 2024-2025
The Worshipful Company of Woolmen

Sheep Drive Tickets: £70
These tickets are to walk in the fenced-off walkway with the sheep. Anyone aged 9 and over can use these tickets, but if you are booking for a group, there must be someone with their Freedom of the City with you.

Spectator Tickets: Free
If you would like to walk along the fenced-off walkway along the sides of the bridge (directly next to the sheep and Drivers) then please book a spectator ticket. You will not be allowed access to this section of the bridge without a ticket.

Attendee/lunch: Free
You do not need a ticket to attend the market and walk down the centre of the bridge, but please can you book a place so we can record numbers from the Company attending? This also helps us book the correct numbers for lunch.

Timings:
Timings are not confirmed yet as we have to request a timeslot for the Drive.
We are hoping to book a slot for approx. 10.30am, then go for a lunch afterwards.
As soon as the Drive slot is confirmed – attendees will be told.