Blessing of the Waters takes place on Sunday, June 14 – the ancient ceremony of beating the boundaries of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea.

The ceremony stems from the time when, long ago, Colchester tried to claim the Brightlingsea’s creek but were thwated by the town’s oystermen. Supported by the Lord Wardens of the Cinque Ports and Lords of Brightlingsea manor, they kept the creek the only independent fishery off the Colne.

A procession will start from outside St James’ Church where the Deputy of the Cinque port of Brightlingsea assembles visiting coastal mayors, civic dignitaries and the clergy. After being announced by the Town Crier the procession, dressed in colourful robes and chains of office, heads down Sydney Street towards the Wreck House on Waterside.

The dignitaries are then greeted by the Harbour Master ,who escorts the procession to the Town Hard. A short service is held on the steps before the Bishop of Colchester blesses boats and people.

Following the service, the Droit Gatherer will guide the dignitaries to the historic oyster smack Pioneer CK18 and other traditional working vessels. Once everyone is aboard, the flotilla will head out to Brightlingsea Creek to assert the town’s rights to the waters, with audience and participants invited to make as much noise as possible (the traditional ‘Din’) to help them on their way.

Brightlingsea shanty group the Motley Crew will be singing at the Hard prior to the service, and will lead the singing during it.

Blessing of the Waters schedule:
Procession assembles in High St – 11.30am
Procession sets off for Hard – 11.45am
Service at Hard – 12.00
Smacks set off from jetty – 1.00pm
Smacks arrive back – 2.00pm