The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers is a Livery company in the City of London whose Charter was granted by James I in 1604. The company supports and has an association with the hatting and felt industries in the UK. It organises a Europe–wide hatting competition each year, open to students at design schools and fashion colleges as well as apprentices at hat making companies. The first prize is presented by the Lady Mayoress at the annual banquet. The Master of the company presents the incoming Lord Mayor each year with a prestigious tricorn hat with black plumes. The new Lord Mayor is appointed in the Silent Ceremony in the Guildhall, the moment he puts on this hat.
The Main purpose of the company, however, is charitable giving and the company raises funds for its Charitable Foundation. Donations are made to a wide range of causes including Pensioner Hatters, the disadvantaged in London, Treloars School for the handicapped, the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, Cockpit Arts and the Armed Forces.