Organisers of Southampton International Boat Show (10-19 September 2021) say they will reveal a bold new layout this year bringing exciting developments and changes to enhance the visitor’s show experience.
Following the Prime Minister’s recent roadmap announcement, British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, say that Britain’s biggest festival of boating will return safely and with style this September. Bringing back the successful boat show formula, including Europe’s largest purpose-built marina with hundreds of marine brands together in one location, the 52nd edition of the show will be complemented by some refreshing changes.
Working in partnership with Southampton City Council, British Marine is pleased to confirm additional land has been agreed for use at this year’s show, making the show bigger than ever before. This larger space creates the opportunity for a new entrance to the show and festival area outside Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre.
Once inside the show, visitors will be immersed in the world of boating and watersports through new zones that cater for specific interests to give a tailored show experience. The first zone will be for paddle boards, kite surfers, kayaks and windsurfers, accompanied by a stage, street food, music and a lively vibe to showcase the watersports lifestyle and simplicity of getting afloat. There will be a Dinghy Zone geared towards the interest of dinghy sailors and high-performance sailing. This will flow into a Classic Boat & Day Boat Zone aimed at celebrating the boats and craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Moving into Mayflower Park and the massive marina, there will be hundreds of power and sail boats, equipment and services on show.
Mayflower Park itself will be bigger and better than ever, with the stunning backdrop of Europe’s largest purpose-built marina remaining a show centrepiece. There will be a wide range of exhilarating on-the-water experiences for everyone as the natural arena between pontoons and shore is utilised further to create a safe and constantly active water park with opportunities to demonstrate, compete, entertain and get more people out on the water, all with live commentary. This will showcase how getting out on the water really is for everyone, and that access to water sports is easier than people may think – in craft of all shapes and sizes!
Throughout the show there will be new dedicated features, including stages, live music, entertainment and guest speakers to showcase the wonderful lifestyle that watersports and boating offers and create a buzzing show atmosphere.
As per the Government roadmap, it is planned for outdoor events to run in full format by September 2021. However, the health, safety and security of visitors remains the number one priority. Through engagement with the relevant Government department and Southampton City Council, British Marine will ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe and happy environment and incorporate any necessary COVID-19 safety measures that may be required at the time.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, comments; “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 zone are really exciting. 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 end 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. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, have never been on the water before or want to enjoy an array of watersports and the accompanying lifestyle all in one place, the show will demonstrate by example how accessible and safe getting afloat is and we’re looking forward to giving people this experience.”
Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Organisation, Southampton City Council, adds; “While we were disappointed that last year’s event couldn’t go ahead, everyone’s health and safety must come first. I’m therefore really 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. 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, and with plans for the show’s first ever Community Day and festival area, which aims to connect Southampton residents with the marine community, we are very much looking forward to welcoming boat fanatics young and old to the event and showing everyone what our great city has to offer.”
As momentum and excitement begins to build for the show, and everyone looks forward to being together again, now is the time to register for all the show news and be the first to know when tickets go on sale. Don’t miss out, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.
