Sheep Drive over Southwark Bridge – Sun 28 Sep 2025

On Sunday 28 September, 19 members of the Company who are also Free of The City, exercised their “right” to bring sheep to market over the Thames, toll free. The Worshipful Company of Woolmen organise the Sheep Drive & Livery Fair every year as a charity event with all funds raised going towards The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The Master was pleased to show her support for members of the Company and crossed the bridge multiple times to escort them on their way.

The magnificent Livery Fair to the North of the bridge offered visitors the opportunity to learn all about The Woolmen Sheep Drive and the wonderful causes it supports and – where livery and specialist wool companies celebrated their trades with interactive displays and sales of their wares. Shearing displays and some wonderful rare breed sheep were also on display.

Liveryman, Michelle Vizard dressed for the occasion as Bo Peep says of the event:

“It was such a lovely, light-hearted day and a privilege to be part of this unique tradition. Dressing up isn’t required, but many do, so I joined in the spirit of things and posed for photos with tourists while sharing laughs and talking about our Company. The camaraderie between liverymen from different Companies was wonderful, with warm conversations about City life and events. My 14-year-old was suitably embarrassed walking a few steps behind me, which only added to the fun! I’d wholeheartedly recommend the day to others, even if you don’t drive sheep yourself, the Livery Fair is fantastic, and it was especially nice to see so many nurses supporting each other, with our Master kindly lending me her shepherd’s crook and staying until the very last of us had crossed the bridge.”