Princesses and partners will get to participate in the usual dancing and deportment lessons leading into the Ball.

Last year, a scaled down formal was hosted for the princesses, in place of the traditional ball. None of the ballroom dances featured on the night and a smaller guest list was in place.

"The laws changed the day before the 2020 formal, which allowed 50 people on a dance floor. At least the princesses and their partners got to do that." Festival chair Leonie Corrin-Smith said.

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"This year we have a new ball chairperson in Rotarian Clare Nyholm. She is well into the planning of the special event."

Clare takes over from Rotarian Brain Morrison, who held the position for 12 years.

"I'm really excited for the return of the ball in it's traditional format," Clare said.

"It's a rite of passage for girls in this town, a long cherished tradition."

A private Blessing Ceremony was held on Easter Sunday this year, without the usual festival and street parade.

Applications are open now for 2021 princesses. Numbers will be capped at 50 due to COVID regulations on numbers inside a venue. Application forms can be found here: blessingofthefleet.info