However, come Easter Sunday April 17 there will be no parade.

Festival Chair Leonie Corrin-Smith, on behalf of the committee, says they are looking forward to the event,."

"We are over the moon to be able to host something on Easter Sunday after two years of disruption," she said.

" A scaled back blessing ceremony did go ahead last year, but was unable to be carried out in 2020.

"The Princess Ball has been down-scaled and held in December for the past two years, becoming somewhat disjointed from the Easter tradition itself.

"It will be great to bring it back to mid-year, this year, with the intention of holding it back in it's original time in 2023.

"This will give our 2021 Princess a bit more time to enjoy her title and duties.

"Although it is disappointing to have to cancel the parade and traditional beach games and other activities, it is heartening to be able to offer some great family entertainment by the harbour, for Easter Sunday 2022."

This year, there will be a Blessing Ceremony for the fishing fleet at the wharf and food and market stalls, show bags and live music on the Civic Centre Grounds (small entry fee), as well as evening fireworks (free).

If you are interested in having a stall, please email ulladulla@blessingofthefleet.info

Princess applications for 2022 will be made available online, on this website, early Term 1 of school.

The Princess Ball will be pushed back this year, with the committee saying May would be ideal, but it could be June or July, depending on venue availability for rehearsals and COVID 19 dancing and other restrictions.

Traditionally, each Easter Sunday, Ulladulla has stopped for over 60 years, closing the Princess Highway to celebrate the Italian Catholic tradition of 'Blessing' their fishing fleet for 'A plentiful catch' and a 'Safe return.'

A magnificent street parade is held during the Blessing of the Fleet Festival, with all princesses and their partners sitting on their colourful floats, as they cruise through the township, the winning Princess and runners up leading the parade of floats behind the Italian community, who carry the statue of St Peter.

The Ulladulla Blessing of the Fleet Festival has grown considerably, with crowds over 15,000 gathering for the show stopping street parade.

The Festival is a buzz of activity, boasting long running events such as the 'Greasy pole' and the 'Tug-O-War'

It's always a great atmosphere watching local groups jostling against each other.

Live music across two stages, market and food stalls, rides, show bags, Scottish tattoo, mini carnival, Kids Zone, Art show and other expos, provide a full day of entertainment, with something for everyone.

The Festival concludes with a spectacular Fireworks display over Ulladulla Harbour.

As part of the Festival, a Princess Ball has been traditionally held two weeks before Easter, with local Year 10 High School girls entering the Ulladulla Blessing of the Fleet Princess Pageant, accompanied by a partner.

It has become a right of passage for Year 10 students and a much cherished tradition, with third generation princesses now participating.

In Summary: