Ulladulla Blessing of the Fleet Festival falls victim to COVID-19 again

After an emergency committee meeting on Friday, January 15 the team has decided the popular event that brings more than 20,000 people to the region could not safely go ahead.

Chairperson of the Ulladulla Blessing of the Fleet Festival committee, Leonie Corrin-Smith said it was an extremely tough decision but one that had to be made.

Another venue was discussed but posed too many issues and safety concerns.

"Even if the current climate allowed for over twenty thousand people to gather, it would be highly irresponsible to do so, even if it is outdoors and spread out," Ms Corrin-Smith said.

"We looked at changing the location to the Milton Showground and running the festival for two days, being a fenced venue and staggering the event to reduce crowds but this was also too problematic at this time."

Ms Corrin-Smith recently contacted the Ulladulla Fishing Co op to let them know of the decision and recommended they arrange a private blessing ceremony for the fishing fleet.

While she said it's a blow for the community and it's visitors, the committee still plans to host some sort of formal event later in the year for the 2021 Princesses.

"It's a big disappointment for the community and the many visitors who enjoy the Blessing of the Fleet festival each year, the iconic parade being a highlight every Easter Sunday for what would have been 65 years," Ms Corrin-Smith said.

"Following NSW Health guidelines, we hope to be able to organise the usual dance lessons and have the Princesses participate in the traditional judging process."

The committee will reach out this this year's Year 10 girls though social media, as well as through local schools.