Events Programme

The Church Gardens of St. Michael's Cornhill, London EC3V 9DS
12:00pm - 5:00pm, Saturday 3rd June 2023

Join other members of the Guild to welcome the newly elected Master at the first Guild event of our 2023-2024 year with a garden party in the grounds of the Guild's church. Lawn games, cakes, and summer cocktails accompany this relaxed afternoon, with a guest judge from the Bakers’ Company for the charity bake-off.

Entries to the competition are £5.00 per entry with all proceeds going directly to the Guild's Charity.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE
9:00am - 1:00pm, Saturday 17th June 2023

The Inter-Livery Cask Race is an exciting event run by the Coopers' Company, where teams from across the Livery will race off to be crowned cask race champions. Participating teams of four will roll barrels provided by Hook Norton Brewery in Guildhall Yard in heats, before a thrilling race for the crown. Entries will raise money towards the Coopers' Charity, primarily supporting those in hardship in Greater London and Surrey.

Members of the Guild will act as marshalls on the day, assisting the Coopers in organisating participants and spectators. The role of the marshalls is vital to the success of the event, so members can be assured of a rewarding day of charity work at this inter-livery competition.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE
12:30pm - 9:00pm, Thursday 6th July 2023

The City Music Foundation hosts this celebration of beer, music, and food to support gifted musicians in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Brewers, with proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

For full details, and to book tickets, please visit the City Beerfest Website

The Old Doctor Butler's Head, 2 Masons Ave, London EC2V 5BT 
6:30pm - 9:00pm, Tuesday 11th July 2023

The Makers of Playing Cards have thrown down the gauntlet and challenged the Young Freemen to a night of fun card games, in the Company's traditional setting of the Old Doctor Butler's Head. No prior knowledge of the game, Swedish Pursuit, is required - as their Clerk can testify!

Swedish Pursuit is based on Crazy Eights (also known as Crazy Aces, Nines, Crates, Switch), which is loosely related to UNO, but contains some devilish trick card variations, making it very easy to learn and tremendous fun to play.

Half way through proceedings we will stop for a bite to eat before resuming the games. Members are welcome to remain at the bar for drinks with the Makers of Playing Cards to learn more about their Company after the games conclude. 

The Makers of Playing Cards have also kindly agreed to make available some of their commemorative packs of playing cards to Young Freemen members, which will be available to purchase (for cash only) on the evening.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

The Crosse Keys, 9 Gracechurch St, London EC3V 0DR
7:00pm - 9:00pm, Thursday 10th August 2023

Join other members of the Guild for an informal evening of drinks and welcome newly admitted members to the Guild family. Booking is not required for our informal drinks, and prospective members/guests are more than welcome to attend.

Prospective members should email the Clerk, clerk@youngfreemen.org, so that we know to expect you.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Tickets are not required for this event.

Zoom: Details will be shared in the attendee guidance email
6:00pm - 7:00pm, Wednesday 16th August 2023

In advance of this year's Sheep Drive, the Master Woolman Alderman Vincent Keaveny (Lord Mayor 2021-2022) has invited members and friends of the Guild to join him for a virtual talk, introducing himself and telling us a little more about his life and times in the City as well as about the fantastic work undertaken by the Woolmen's Company.

Ranking 43rd in the order of precedence, and tracing their roots to 1180, they are perhaps one of the oldest Livery Companies in the City of London: with their trade as relevant today as it was almost 850 years ago.

We hope you can join us for this informal yet informative session, as it is sure to be a real treat!

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

Launderers' Hall, 9 Montague Cl, London SE1 9DD
6:00pm - 8:30pm, Monday 4th September 2023

The Guild is delighted to join the Worshipful Company of Launderers in their hall for the second of our Meet the Livery series for 2023-2024. We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a highly interesting evening.

Guild members and their guests will hear from several speakers about the trade, history, and modern activities of the Launderers, interspersed with the story of Mark McCullum of Bermondsey Gin and their journey to create gins honouring the forgotten recipes of vintage gins from London. A flight of four gins, plus a Negroni cocktail, and nibbles (with more goodies to take away!) will be provided for refreshments while members view historical artefacts of the Company in the Hall. 

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

Riverscape, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE
8:00am - 5:00pm, Sunday 24th September 2023

The Sheep Drive is a major City event involving some 1,000+ Freemen of the City of London and their friends and family crossing the bridge with their sheep, raising tens of thousands of pounds for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Woolmen's Charitable Trust. This year the event takes place on Southwark Bridge.

Members and Prospective Members of the Guild have a vital part to play in this event. As volunteer marshals, the Young Freemen are the public face of the Sheep Drive, leading people across the bridge, dressed in their scarlet robes. Coverage of the event is global with images syndicated across the world.

In addition to enjoying a unique experience and playing a vital role in a pivotal City event, volunteers will enjoy a free breakfast and free hot lunch at the Livery Fair.

This is a standout event in the Guild year, truly a one-of-a-kind, and not to be missed!

Please note: participation in this event is strictly as a volunteer marshal (rather than undertaking a single sheep drive like other attendees). You (and any prospective members you bring as guests) must be available to volunteer for the duration of the event from 8.00am to 5.00pm. (Non-volunteer regular tickets for one-time sheep drive bookings should be purchased from the main Sheep Drive website at https://sheepdrive.london/)

Guild members are welcome to bring prospective members as guests to this event.
Book Here

St Vedast alias Foster, London, EC2V 6HH
6:00pm - 9:00pm, Tuesday 3rd October 2023

The Guild is delighted to join the Worshipful Company of Firefighters at their Livery Church for an evening reception, and the next of our in-person Meet the Livery events.

Promoting the development and advancement of the science, art, and the practice of firefighting, fire prevention, and life safety, the Firefighters' Company is unique in the City Livery tradition in that they directly represent one of the emergency services in the UK. 

They are a Modern Livery Company, ranking 103rd in the order of precedence, having been founded in 1988. Members and their guests will hear from several speakers for what promises to be a fascinating evening.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

Barber-Surgeons' Hall, London EC2Y 5BL
6:45pm for 7:30pm - 10:30pm, Friday 20th October 2023

The Annual Banquet 2023 will be held at Barber-Surgeons' Hall by kind permission of the Master and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Barbers. This glittering evening is one of the highlights of the Guild's year, and to enjoy the fabulous hospitality of a City banquet.

The evening will start with a drinks reception while guests enjoy the ornate surroundings of Barber-Surgeons' Hall, followed by a sumptuous 3-course dinner with wines, port, petits fours, and coffee. We are delighted that the former Lord Mayor, and Past President of the Guild, Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley will be giving the response speech in capacity as Representative Lord Mayor. Afterwards, members and guests will decamp to a nearby venue to continue the festivities.

The dress code is black tie with livery badges and decorations, national dress, or mess dress for serving officers. Livery-affiliated members are encouraged to wear their livery badges and other decorations.

For those who have never been to a City dinner before and are therefore unfamiliar with what to expect, we encourage you to take a look at this page on our website for a handy guide: https://youngfreemen.org/a-beginners-guide-to-attending-a-banquet/

We expect tickets will sell out fast for this event so book early to avoid disappointment.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

The Vestry of St Michael's Cornhill, London, EC3V 9DS
8:30am for 9:00am - 6:00pm, Saturday 11th November 2023

The Lord Mayor’s Show is the world’s oldest civic procession and the Guild is incredibly privileged to play a prominent role by escorting the giant statues of Gog and Magog, the ancient defenders of the City, under the watchful eye of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.

The day will begin with an early breakfast in the vestry of St Michael's Cornhill (8:30am sharp), after which members and guests will robe and make their way to the float for the Procession, which will pause on the Embankment for some much needed libation around midday, before returning to the Guildhall where the giants are displayed. After this, there will be an opportunity to watch the end of the parade whilst we make our way back to the vestry to deposit robes before rounding off what is expected to be a superb day with a two-course hot buffet and drinks reception at the City University Club.

Tickets include breakfast, entry to the parade (which includes a light lunch at Embankment), as well as a two-course buffet with wine at the reception. Places are limited owing to the unprecedented size of the procession and demand for tickets, so do please book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guild members and prospective members are welcome.
Book Here

The Crosse Keys, 9 Gracechurch St, London EC3V 0DR
7:00pm - 9:00pm, Thursday 23rd November 2023

Join other members of the Guild for an informal evening of drinks and welcome newly admitted members to the Guild family. Booking is not required for our informal drinks, and prospective members/guests are more than welcome to attend.

Prospective members should email the Clerk, clerk@youngfreemen.org, so that we know to expect you.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Tickets are not required for this event.

Guildhall, London EC2V 5AE
5:00pm - 9:00pm, Monday 27th November 2023

One of the key charitable events in the City's calendar, the British Red Cross Christmas Market sees 100 stalls selling handmade and unique gifts fill Guildhall Yard, with other activities taking place in the Guildhall itself. The event is run by volunteers from a mixture of City organisations, and this year the Guild is privileged to be included in this.

Members of the Guild will act as stewards during the evening, assisting the British Red Cross in organising attendees and stalls. The role of the stewards is vital to the success of the event, so members can be assured of a rewarding evening of charity work at this fabulous philanthropic event.

This event is only open to members of the Guild of Young Freemen.
Book Here

St. Michael's Cornhill, London EC3V 9DS
6:00pm - 7:00pm followed by drinks, Tuesday 5th December 2023

The final event of 2023; the service will commence at 6.00pm in the Guild church of St Michael's Cornhill, and will conclude at 7.00pm with mulled wine and mince pies. The Master will deliver a traditional reading along with other City dignitaries, with the wonderful church choir singing a selection of carols.

The service will be followed by a drinks reception at the Counting House next door, with nibbles and drink provided for members and their guests. We very much hope that you will be able join us to celebrate Christmas and our last event of the calendar year in the festive good cheer only Young Freemen know!

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

The College of Arms, 130 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4BT
6:00pm - 9:00pm, Tuesday 30th January 2024

We hope you will join us for thoroughly enlightening tour of a City-based institution, the prestigious College of Arms. Our first event of 2024, join the Master and other members to catch up after the festive period and learn about the fascinating story of this City site on a tour led by the Windsor Herald.

Following the 120-minute guided tour there will be some time for Q&A with the Herald, and we will then decamp to a nearby wine bar for further informal discussions about the Guild of Young Freemen and the Livery movement for those who are interested in becoming a part of the rich traditions of the City of London.

This event is only open to members of the Guild of Young Freemen.
Book Here

Merchant Taylors' Hall, 30 Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8JB
6:30pm - 10:00pm, Monday 12th February 2024

The Guild of Young Freemen invite you to join us for an evening of tremendously fun and friendly competition at the annual Young Livery Inter-Livery Quiz, open to all younger members (under 40's) of the Livery Companies and Guilds.

Teams of up to six will battle for quizzing domination in a professionally run quiz by Quiz Coconut, competing for the ultimate prize of fame and glory. The winning team toasts their success with a bottle of champagne (and the well-earned feeling of glory!), and all proceeds from the event are donated to the winning team's Company Charity*.
*Or a nominated charity of their Clerk's choice, should the Company/Guild not have an official charity.

Refreshments will be provided throughout the evening, and an informal supper is provided mid-way through the quiz.

All participants must be a member of a City Livery Company or Guild (including the Young Freemen).
Book Here

The Crosse Keys, 9 Gracechurch St, London EC3V 0DR
7:00pm - 9:00pm, Thursday 22nd February 2024

Join other members of the Guild for an informal evening of drinks and welcome newly admitted members to the Guild family. Booking is not required for our informal drinks, and prospective members/guests are more than welcome to attend.

Prospective members should email the Clerk, clerk@youngfreemen.org, so that we know to expect you.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Tickets are not required for this event.

TBC
6:30pm - 9:00pm, Wednesday 28th February 2024

The Guild is delighted to join the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers for an evening reception, and the next of our in-person Meet the Livery events.

Tracing their Company back to the seventeeth century, the Needlemakers' have a fascinating history and an equally bright future ahead. Members and their guests will hear from several speakers for what promises to be a tremendous evening. Nibbles and wine will be provided.

As with all Guild events, friends, family, and other guests are welcome.
Tickets are not yet on sale for this event.

St. Paul's Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD
10:15am for 11:15am - 12:00pm, Friday 15th March 2024

The annual service celebrating the Guilds' and Liveries' contribution to the City, with a colourful procession of Masters and the Lord Mayor in State; a truly memorable event. First run at the suggestion of the Liveries after the Blitz it was hoped that the pageantry of the City would lift the spirits of the people, and the service has become a yearly fixture ever since.

After the service there is an (optional) luncheon at Butchers' Hall, 12:30pm for 1:00pm - 3:00pm, where members who have attended the service may join with other Masters, Wardens, and Liverymen of the many Guilds and Companies attending the service for a convivial meal. This includes a sparkling wine reception followed by three-course luncheon with wine, petits fours, and coffee.

Those attending will be loaned ceremonial robes for the occasion. This service provides an incredible opportunity to see St. Paul's Cathedral in action with its superb organ and choir.

Please note: as we have a limited number of tickets for this service you will be notified if a ticket has been allocated to you, or if you are on the waiting list.

This event is only open to members of the Guild of Young Freemen.
Book Here

TBC
6:30pm - 9:00pm, Monday 25th March 2024

We invite you to join us at a special evening reception hosted by the Master's Consort for a panel discussion and Q&A with women in the City and Livery. We are particularly delighted that Alderwoman Sue Langley will be joining the panel, to tell us about her fascinating life and experience of being part of the Court of Aldermen as well as other prominent roles she has held.

We hope you and your guests will be able to join us for this insightful event. Refreshments will be provided during the evening.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Tickets are not yet on sale for this event.

Coopers' Hall, 13 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4TH
6:30pm - 9:00pm, Monday 29th April 2024

The Guild is delighted to join the Worshipful Company of Coopers at their Hall for another exciting event in our Meet the Livery series for 2023 - 2024. Members and their guests will be treated to a special tour of Coopers' Hall as well as talks on the fascinating history the Company.

The earliest mention of the Coopers' Company dates back to 1298, giving the Coopers' a strong claim to being one of the oldest Livery Companies in the City. They are 36th in the order of precendence, and still to this day fund apprenticeships for cask making giving them an unbroken connection to their trade over the last 725 years.

We will hear from several speakers during the evening as we explore the charming rooms of the Hall and delve into the storied history of the Company; food and drink will be provided.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here

The Crosse Keys, 9 Gracechurch St, London EC3V 0DR
7:00pm - 9:00pm, Thursday 9th May 2024

Join other members of the Guild for an informal evening of drinks and welcome newly admitted members to the Guild family. Booking is not required for our informal drinks, and prospective members/guests are more than welcome to attend.

Prospective members should email the Clerk, clerk@youngfreemen.org, so that we know to expect you.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Tickets are not required for this event.

The West London Shooting School, Northolt UB5 6RA
8:30am for 9:00am - 2:30pm, Wednesday 15th May 2024

A highlight of the Inter-Livery calendar, the annual charity clay shoot sees teams from all Livery Companies and Guilds compete for glory with teams of four shooting across twelve stands, as well as more competitive flushes for more experienced shots.

The day commences with a breakfast before a briefing and the start of shooting, with a break for elevenses. Shooting continues until rounds are completed at approximately 1:00pm when lunch and drinks are served, before the prize-giving ceremony which brings the day to a close.

Please note: as we have a limited number of places for the team you will be notified if a place has been allocated to you, or if you are on the waiting list.

This event is only open to members of the Guild of Young Freemen.
Book Here

Clays Bar, 55 Moorgate, London EC2R 6LL
6:30pm - 9:00pm Thursday 16th May 2024

The Master Young Freeman invites you to join him in closing his year "with a bang", with an evening of friendly competition at Clays Bar with members of the Guild of Mercers' Scholars. Featuring virtual clay target shooting, this is a fantastic way to enjoy shooting in central London.

Members are encouraged to get in to the spirit of the evening and wear their tweeds or other country clothing. Food and drinks will be provided during the evening.

Guild members are welcome to bring friends, family, and other guests to this event.
Book Here