This annual tradition is part of the town's Festival of the Fleeces event, which attracts spectators from across the country.

Upper Hunter Shire Council's Ron Campbell said the Running of the Sheep was a highlight for both locals and visitors.

“We now run them from the main street, we don't actually take them out of the Showground because of the danger,” he said.

“There are about 200 to 220 sheep; we get a marshall to walk down the road with them to make sure they don't break away.

“Usually it's someone who understands sheep so they don't rush into the crowd.

“These sheep are straight out of the paddock, they're not tame. But we generally do tend to have a pet sheep leading off from the front.

“While we can keep doing it like this, it's a real highlight.

“There's a fair bit to do; washing all of the red socks is hard work. 

“When they come off they're all tangled so they take a while to do really.”

The festival, which is being held from June 10-12, will also include a number of other activities including the 'Fashions of the Fleeces.'

A fashion parade, performance by top bush poet Robyn Sykes, and music from party band 'Everyday People' are all part of the first night's entertainment at Merriwa RSL.

Merriwa quilter Lenore Taylor has once again been busy preparing the ‘Hanging of the Quilts.’

Spectators can try their luck in the raffle on Saturday, June 11, for the chance to win a hand-crafted quilt made by some of the region’s best.

Tickets will be on sale at the ‘Hanging of the Quilts’ from 9.30am and the raffle will be drawn at 4pm. 

Local poets are encouraged to get up and have a go at the Bush Poetry competition on the Sunday morning, with a prize pool of $500 to be won. 

It will be compered and judged by Robyn Sykes.

There will also be street stalls, team penning, and sheep yard dog trials during the action-packed festival.