London Sheep Drive 2025 returns this weekend: Start and finish times, road closures and celeb guest
If you see a flock of sheep crossing Southwark Bridge over the weekend, here’s why.
This Sunday (September 28), London will celebrate one of its many rather unique traditions that dates back to the 12th century.
The annual London Sheep Drive sees 50 mule sheep from the north of England guided over Southwark Bridge each year to honour sheep sellers of the past, bringing their livestock into the city to market.
The charity event, which is usually led by a famous star, raises money for The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
Here’s everything Londoners and city visitors need to know about the 2025 event.
What is the London Sheep Drive?
It’s an annual London tradition that honours sheep farmers crossing London Bridge into the City of London to sell livestock in medieval times.
At the time, while locals would have to pay a bridge toll to cross the river, Freemen of the City, aka traders, were exempt.
In celebration, sheep are still driven across the Thames by various Freemen of the City each year and have become known for their celebrity sheepherders.
How long has the London Sheep Drive been going on?
Just over a decade. The event is still running today, having initially started in 2013 and been organised by the Livery Company of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen.
While it was initially started on London Bridge in recent years it has been held on Southwark Bridge.
When does the 2025 London Sheep Drive start and finish?
The event will kick off around 10am with the actual sheep drive set to wrap up by around midday. The Woolmen Livery Fair near Southwark Bridge will be open until 4pm.
Who is the 2025 celebrity leading the London Sheep Drive?
Countryfile star Adam Henson will guide the sheep across Southwark Bridge at this year’s event.
Hollywood star Damian Lewis, known for his roles in Band of Brothers and Dreamcatcher, led the event last year.
Previous celebrity sheep herders also include Barbara Windsor, Alan Titchmarsh, Mark Rylance, Michael Portillo, and Mary Berry.
Are there any road closures for the 2025 London Sheep Drive?
No official road closures have been announced. However, the event is set to take place around Southwark Bridge, Queen Street and Queen Street Place, so access around is likely to be limited.
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