50 Sheep Take Over Southwark Bridge This September

An Ancient Privilege Returns to Modern London

This September, Southwark Bridge will transform into a living piece of London history when 50 North of England Mule Sheep are driven across its span by Freemen of the City—and a celebrity guest whose identity remains under wraps. On Sunday, 27 September 2026, between 10am and 4pm, this remarkable event will close the bridge to traffic and open it to one of the capital’s most unusual spectacles.

While sheep herding through London streets might sound like a throwback to medieval times, the modern Sheep Drive is actually a relatively recent invention. In 2013, the Worshipful Company of Woolmen revived an ancient right that Freemen once held: the privilege of driving livestock across London Bridge toll-free. What began as a charitable fundraiser has evolved into an anticipated annual tradition that celebrates both heritage and sustainable wool production.

Former Master Woolman and Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny captured the event’s significance perfectly: “The Sheep Drive is living London history, preserving a link with our past while celebrating wool—a sustainable product with innovative modern uses.” For residents across London, from Hounslow to Richmond and Whitton, this event represents something increasingly rare: a tangible connection to the city’s working past.

What to Expect: Sheep, Shearing, and Stalls

The 50 sheep participating in this year’s drive aren’t just any flock—they’re carefully selected from a 600-strong contingent on a Bedford farm and have received media training to handle London’s crowds. In the weeks before the event, they’ll appear at country shows, ensuring they’re comfortable with the hustle and bustle of city life.

The action unfolds across Southwark Bridge itself, where Freemen will herd sheep throughout the day. While members of the public can’t participate in the herding (that privilege is reserved for Freemen), everyone is welcome to line the bridge and witness this unique spectacle free of charge. The celebrity guest will make their appearance at an unannounced time, so spectators should stay tuned to local media for updates.

Beyond the bridge, a livery fair runs simultaneously at the north end, around Queen Street and Queen Street Place. Here, you’ll find woolwork stalls, sheep shearing demonstrations, and representatives from various City livery companies including the Weavers, Basketmakers, and Bakers. Food vendors like Cluck Farmyard and Purbeck Ice Cream typically set up shop, and rare breed sheep are available for close-up viewing. It’s a full day of family-friendly activities celebrating London’s wool heritage.

Mark Your Calendar—What You Need to Know

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a rural lifestyle fan, or simply curious about London’s quirky traditions, the 2026 Sheep Drive offers something genuinely unique. This free event requires no advance booking for spectators—just show up to Southwark Bridge on 27 September and enjoy. The bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event, so plan your travel accordingly if you work or live in the area.

Previous years have attracted an impressive roster of celebrity herders, from Barbara Windsor and Alan Titchmarsh to Mary Berry and Countryfile presenter Adam Henson. The mystery celebrity for 2026 will be announced closer to the date, so keep checking local news outlets and the event’s official channels.

For residents across South London and beyond—whether you’re in Hounslow, Whitton, Richmond, or central neighborhoods—this is an opportunity to celebrate sustainable practices, witness living history, and enjoy a genuinely one-of-a-kind London experience. Bring family, friends, and your camera. The secret to a successful sheep drive, organisers assure us, is calm animals—and with the right crowd energy, we suspect this year will be no exception. Don’t miss it.

Source: See A Celebrity Herd 50 Sheep Over Southwark Bridge