Lord Petre, HM Lord Lieutenant for Essex kindly led the civic part of the procession through town, followed by Peter & Pat Beadles, the Deputy & Lady Deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea, then the Town Mayor Ian Block & Mayoress Eileen Lowe, Mayor & Mayoress Paul & Sue Graeme of Brightlingsea’s head Cinque Port of Sandwich plus Cinque Port Mayors from Kent & local Essex coastal Mayors, plus other dignitaries and many others. A large number attended to watch the event & take part in the service of Blessing of the Waters by Bishop of Colchester Right Rev Roger Morris & Brightlingsea clergy, and all actively joined in making the traditional ‘Din’ as the boats moved off. Another memorable day keeping this historic tradition alive!