Raising the baa: Keswick May Ram Fair – in pictures
Guardian photographer Christopher Thomond attends the annual Keswick May Ram Fair, where shepherds show off their best Herdwick rams
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Herdwick shepherds exhibiting their best rams at the annual Keswick May Ram Fair.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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Since at least the 1840s, shepherds in the Cumbrian town of Keswick have gathered in May to exchange tups (rams) following winter breeding.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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The ram fair now involves judges identifying the best examples of the local Herdwick breed.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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The Keswick Ram Fair is traditionally held on the third Thursday in May.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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A Herdwick enthusiast looks on.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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The breed is known for its white face and legs.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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The ram’s distinctive slate blue fleece is hand painted with red ochre to make the animals more visible on distant fells.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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Herdwick shepherds watch as the Keswick fair gets underway.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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A reluctant ram at the fair.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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The breed’s distinctive fleece.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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Herdwick shepherds and their rams.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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A big day out for the Herdwick breed.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
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Anthony Hartley won the prestigious Edmundson Cup, awarded to the best shearling.Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian
