Countryfile presenter Adam Henson will herd a flock of sheep over the River Thames next weekend in London’s Great Sheep Drive.
Other celebrities are expected to join Henson on Sunday 28 September, with previous famous faces including Emmy Award winner Damian Lewis and Eastenders legend Dame Barbara Windsor.
The unique ritual is one of the city’s most iconic traditions, dating back hundreds of years, and has been described as ‘the day the countryside comes to the capital’.
The 2025 Woolmen’s Sheep Drive will see more than a thousand Freemen of the City take up their ancient ‘entitlement’ to herd sheep across the bridge, once an essential trade route for wool.
Henson said: “It’s a fantastic celebration of our farming heritage in one of the most iconic settings in the country.
“Driving sheep across Southwark Bridge is a brilliant way to connect city and countryside, and I’m really looking forward to being part of such a unique and meaningful event.
“It’s also a great opportunity to recognise the historic importance of wool in the development of the City of London, and its continued value today.”
The event aims to raise tens of thousands of pounds for The Woolmen’s Charity, The Innovation In Wool Awards and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
Deputy Leader of Southwark Council, Jasmine Ali, said: “Eccentric traditions is what London does best and this has to be one of the finest there is.
“We should never forget the traditions and rich history that has made this the finest city in the world.
“It also continues the great London tradition of raising funds for important charitable causes.
“So come along and dig deep – it’s what the sheep would want!”
The exciting spectacle is the second largest public event in the City of London after the Lord Mayor’s Show.
But it doesn’t stop at the Sheep Drive.
The day also includes the Livery & Wool Fair, sheep shearing demonstrations, rare breeds from Spitalfields City Farm, and lamb-based food stalls.
Other groups supporting the grand occasion are Army Cadets, HMS Raleigh, Young Freemen, Woodlands Farm Trust, and Young Farmers.
Southwark resident and engineer Jack Wiscombe, 29, said: “I first found out about the Sheep Drive last year by chance when I saw the sheep on Southwark Bridge.
“It’s an eye-catching event – something you can’t help but notice when there’s a flock of sheep roaming around central London.
“That’s what’s brilliant about this city; there is always something a bit wacky and exciting happening.”
The sheep, provided by Bedfordshire farmers David and Barbara Seamark, are North of England Mules and will be kept under the watchful eye of their regular shepherd and veterinary team as they cross the bridge in small groups.
Working sheepdogs will also be on hand to demonstrate their role and importance to daily life on a farm.
The 2025 Woolmen’s Sheep Drive will take place between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 28 September, with The Woolmen Livery Fair spread across Queen Street and Queen Street Place.
Feature image: Emmy Award winner Damian Lewis herding sheep across Southwark Bridge at last year’s Woolmen’s Sheep Drive. Picture credit: This Media Larke
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