London’s Southwark Bridge turns into woolly parade at annual Sheep Drive charity event
Sheep took over Southwark Bridge in London on Sunday, 27 September, as the city hosted its annual Woolmen’s Sheep Drive.
Southwark Bridge in London became a bustling scene of woolly activity during an annual charity event honoring the city's historic Freemen. This tradition, which allows the privileged few to drive livestock across the Thames without toll, was revived in 2013. Television presenter Gloria Hunniford, 86, experienced this privilege for the first time, leading the flock with a shepherd's crook adorned with a pink ribbon in memory of her late daughter, Caron Keating, who passed away from breast cancer in 2004.
Around 1,500 Freemen, guests, and enthusiasts gathered for the festivities, which included rare-breed sheep, live shearing demonstrations, and a wool fair featuring approximately 40 stalls. Some attendees even donned costumes as shepherds or Little Bo Peep. The sheep, sourced from a Bedfordshire family farm, were chosen for their gentle nature around large crowds.
Proceeds from the event went to The Woolmen Charity, an organization dedicated to supporting education, research, scholarships, and innovation related to wool while preserving the British wool industry's heritage and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, funds were contributed to The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, a City of London fundraising initiative that backs various charities and projects addressing social issues such as youth employment, education, inclusion, health, and poverty.
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