Southampton International Boat Show announces return for 2021 festival - with new set-up and layout

ONE of the largest boat shows in the UK is set to return this year, after last year’s show was cancelled at the last minute due to Covid fears.
Southampton Boat Show. Southampton Boat Show.
Southampton Boat Show.

Southampton International Boat Show has announced that it intends to go ahead with its 52nd edition from September 10 to 19 – and that it has put in place a new layout to keep visitors safe.

British Marine, which organises the show, said additional land will see the show spread out from the marina and Mayflower Park, allowing visitors to enter from outside Southampton’s Westquay Shopping Centre.

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There will be new zones set up to cater for watersports, including one for paddle boards, kite surfers, kayaks and windsurfers, a dinghy zone and a classic boat zone.

Throughout the show there will be stages, live music, entertainment and guest speakers.

The show, which attracts thousands of victors from across the country, is a major event for many Portsmouth-based marine businesses.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: ‘After more than a year dominated by the pandemic, we are delighted to be working with Southampton City Council to bring the show back to the city again and plans for the new layout and zones are really exciting.

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‘The show will inspire and capture the next generation and growing number of get-afloat newcomers through the new zone experience whilst balancing the more targeted needs of serious boat buyers through the marina showcasing power and sail craft.

‘Our goal is to build on this national celebration of boating and watersports, offering a great day out for the family in one location and a way of enthusing next generations.’

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, deputy leader at Southampton City Council, said: ‘While we were disappointed that last year’s event couldn’t go ahead, everyone’s health and safety must come first.

‘I’m therefore pleased to be working with British Marine again as we look to produce a safe, enjoyable and expanded show at Mayflower Park and other sites across the city.

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‘The organisers will be working closely with the city’s events safety advisory group, which includes representation from Public Health, to deliver an event that complies with government advice and the national roadmap out of lockdown.

‘The Southampton International Boat Show is a key event in our calendar, we are very much looking forward to welcoming boat fanatics young and old to the event.’

For more go to southamptonboatshow.com.

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