London Bridge Anniversary Fayre

On Saturday, 11th July 2009, the usually jam-packed London Bridge will come to a standstill to allow for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2009, London Bridge Anniversary Fayre.

The themed ‘London Bridge Anniversary Fayre’ will see London Bridge closed to traffic for a fun day of activities and entertainment designed to give a flavour of life at the time of the Bridge’s opening 800 years ago. It will be attended by the Rt Hon TheLord Mayor, Alderman Ian Luder who will be there to start the proceedings.

A variety of City Livery Companies have already confirmed to demonstrate their trades including, the Basketmaker’s company, the Blacksmith’s Company, the Carpenter’s Company, the Broderer’s Company and Makers of Playing Cards’ Company. It is intended that the Fayre gives an insight into the mysteries, crafts and guilds of ‘old’ London.

Liverymen and Freemen of the City of London will also have the opportunity to exercise their ancient ‘rights’ to drive sheep ‘toll free’ across the Bridge, guided by the expertise of ‘One Man and his Dog’ shepherdess Katy Cropper. Pikemen and Musketeers – the Lord Mayor’s bodyguards – will parade on the day.

Ian Pay, Appeal Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to host this very special London Bridge event and are honoured to be able to offer a unique, traffic free day on the Bridge to the public.

“We hope the event gives a real flavor of London at the time of the Bridge’s opening and provides a great fun day out for the whole family. Money raised will go towards supporting two exceptional charities, who provide essential support to the people of London.”

All proceeds will go towards The Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2009 ‘Building Lives, Saving Lives’ which will support the Appeal’s principal beneficiaries, St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales’s) District and The Lord’s Taverners.