Sheep Drive & Livery Fair planned for September 27th 2020 – Postponed to 2021
We hope all of our friends and supporters are keeping safe and well during these challenging times.
As you would expect, the organising committee of the Sheep Drive and Livery Fair have been closely monitoring developments and consulting widely about arrangements for our events this year.
Our aim has always been to deliver an event that is a safe, fun day out, celebrating the ancient tradition of a Freeman’s right to drive their sheep to market over London Bridge, tariff-free, and through this unique event, raise funds for the Woolmen’s Charitable Trust and Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
It is with considerable regret that we have decided to postpone the planned Sheep Drive and Livery Fair on Sunday 27th September, which this year was due to take place on Southwark Bridge, allowing for essential works taking place on London Bridge.
We have looked at different models for running the Sheep Drive, abiding by government approved social distancing and safety guidelines for gatherings in public spaces and outdoor activities. Sadly, our view is that these would require us to limit numbers significantly and also alter the format of the day to such an extent that it would impact participants’ enjoyment and the additional costs involved reduce the overall charitable contribution we can make from the event.
We are mindful that Government guidelines continue to evolve, however, in order to allow for essential planning time, including that of all of our fantastic volunteers and supporters, we feel that the decision on this September’s event needs to be taken now. Hopefully this also mitigates against the potential risk of a short notice cancellation if stricter measures were to be reintroduced.
New Date for your Diary: 26th September 2021!
We know that many of you will be equally as disappointed as we are. However, we hope you will be delighted to hear that this means that we are now turning our minds fully to planning for a fantastic Sheep Drive and Livery Fair on the 26th September 2021, when we can all look forward to an amazing day.
We thank you for your continuing support and we very much look forward to remaining in contact with you as we plan for 2021. Meanwhile, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at: sheepdriveteamenquiries@woolmen.com
Watch this space… In the meantime, we will keep you updated regarding arrangements for booking in 2021. Also check out our social media where we will be following the stories of the team – that’s both two legged and four – as we launch our plans, with some updates and nuggets of news along the way!
Peter Hullah
Chair of the Charity Committee and Sheep Drive/Livery Fair Team
Upper Warden Worshipful Company of Woolmen
Twitter: @SheepDriveLDN
Instagram: Sheepdriveldn
Facebook: TheWorshipfulCompanyofWoolmen
