Usually, the event includes a procession of mayors through the town, followed by a blessing on the Hard and a procession of decorated historic boats parading along the creek and making a ‘din’– all to mark the boundaries of the waters that belongs to Brightlingsea.

The virtual event organisers are asking residents to dress up as pirates and sailors or pretend their houses are boats and dress them up with bunting, flags and other nautical items. Then the houses will be blessed in a socially-distanced manner by Brightlingsea vicar Caroline Beckett using her super-soaker water pistol.

Residents are also encouraged to join in making the din at 2.30pm by banging pots and pans, blowing a musical instrument or banging a drum.

The vicar will take a picture of anyone or any house she visits – just send a note of your name & address to [email protected] or leave a message on 01206 308726 to let her know you’re taking part.

To find out more about the Blessing of the Waters, see our article here.