Historic Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride gallops towards start date
The countdown to the 2025 Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride has begun with organisers asking horse riders and cyclists to enter before Thursday, 31 August. This year’s event, the 472nd, will take place on Saturday 6 September, starting from the Guildhall, Bore Street, at 9.15am.
The event begins with a a performance of ‘the Sheriff’s Ride’ by Three Spires Morris Lichfield followed by the traditional Sheriff's Ride speeches. At 10am, the Sheriff of Lichfield will mount his horse and ceremoniously lead the Ride out of the city, followed by a spectacular procession from the Worcestershire Cavalry, leading rider marshalls, and cyclists.
Everyone is welcome to attend, and riders and cyclists are encouraged to register as soon as possible at sheriffoflichfield.org.uk, by registering, participants will be entered into the £100 Prize Draw, generously sponsored by Jono Tourism. Registration closes on Thursday 31 August.
We welcome anyone who would like to support the Sheriff’s Ride by volunteering as a foot marshal or steward on the day. If you're interested in getting involved, please contact Colin Ablitt at colin.ablitt@gmail.com
The 2025 Sheriff of Lichfield, Revd Ian Hayter, will be supported by the Junior Sheriff, Daniel Mannox of Willows Primary School, he will be following the Ride in a support vehicle. Revd Hayter will complete the 18-mile boundary perambulation as commanded by Queen Mary's Charter of 1553 on horseback, the last Sheriff to do this was, Dr Daryl Brown in 2019.
Revd Ian Hayter commented: “I invite people from far and wide to visit Lichfield and be part of this historic community event, the only one of its type in England and Wales.”
There is an extended cycling route of 34 miles for those travelling on two wheels rather than four legs.They will be supported by our Patron; Lichfield born Olympian and World Champion cyclist, Sophie Capewell MBE. Ballard Engineering Ltd sponsoring the cyclists event.
Our Patron Jane Holderness-Roddam CVO CBE will be joining us again this year, in her role as Equestrian patron of the Sheriff’s Ride. Jane is following the Ride throughout the day and will be meeting all horse riders as she judges the Best Turned Our Horse and Rider.
Committee member and former Chief Marshall of the Sheriff’s Ride, Doug Smith commented ‘We are delighted to be supported by these two inspiring individuals, both are Olympic gold medallists in their disciplines but with 56 years between such memorable achievements, who knows, we may have future Olympians doing the ride this year!’
A fundamental part of the Sheriff’s Ride is to fund-raise for local good causes – this year’s Sheriff’s charity is the Pathway Project, a Staffordshire-based domestic abuse organisation supporting adults and young people experiencing or affected by domestic abuse.
Nick Sedgwick, Clerk of the Course commented: “We can’t wait to see our new Sheriff of Lichfield, Revd Ian Hayter, Junior Sheriff Daniel Maddox, riders, cyclists and the Worcestershire Cavalry in Lichfield city centre. It will be an amazing sight and I invite everyone to join us at 9.15am outside the Guildhall to watch a spectacular start.”
Daryl Brown, Chair of The Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride Committee said: “The 472nd Lichfield Sheriff’s ride will be the best yet. Hundreds of years of tradition, celebrating our community on four legs and two wheels.”
This year’s event promises to be especially memorable, as just a few weeks later, Lichfield will proudly host the National AGM of the National Association of City and Town Sheriffs. During the weekend of 26-28 September, Sheriff’s and their consorts from across England and Wales will visit Lichfield for their Annual General Meeting. During the visit, a special procession will take place on Sunday, 28 September when all Sheriff’s will be robed at the Guildhall before processing through the city to Lichfield Cathedral for a special Eucharist service.
History of Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride;- One of Lichfield’s greatest and oldest traditions, the Ride is a horse mounted inspection of the ancient boundary of the city which began after Queen Mary gave Lichfield a Royal Charter. This charter separated Lichfield from Staffordshire and made it a county in its own right. This enabled Lichfield to appoint its own Sheriff who enforced the law and managed the prison. The first ride was undertaken in 1553 and has continued every year except for the Covid years.
For more information, visit sheriffoflichfield.org.uk
