The excitement is mounting as tickets go on sale for Southampton International Boat Show, taking place from 10 – 19 September.
“This year is our 52nd edition and we are excited by the changes which will make it unlike any previous Southampton show,” said Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine. “Our outdoor setting, with Europe’s largest temporary marina capable of hosting more than 300 craft, and a new show layout which connects the water’s edge with the historic Southampton City walls and Westquay Shopping Centre has enabled us to really push the boundaries this year with a myriad of incredibly exciting features for all ages.”
One of Europe’s largest on-water events, the show offers something for everyone with hundreds of exhibitor stands, and over 500 craft on display. This year sees an entirely new show layout with clearly defined zoned areas taking visitors on a journey through the different types of watersports activities. Onshore there is a myriad of thrilling and breath-taking displays at the On The Water stage, including awe-inspiring flyboarders and jet-ski freestylers performances to wow the crowds.
On land, the new Festival Green area is host to family entertainment, with music playing throughout the day and into the early evening. With plenty of tasty and high quality premium street food offerings, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fun.
Visitors can get onto the water too, choosing from Rockley Watersports Get-A-Float experiences offering SUP, kayaking and dinghy sailing, through to Try-A-Boat sessions on RIBS, powerboats, sailing yachts, and motor cruisers. The historic 1919 square-rigged Tall Ship Morgenster will sail daily from the show with visitors on board, and the passenger cruiser Island Scene will make regular passenger sailings throughout the show.
For a truly unforgettable VIP experience, the Captain’s Club offers a range of limited number Gold, Silver and Bronze packages for the most discerning visitor. These premium experiences include private entry to the show, with access to an exclusive hospitality lounge where visitors are greeted with a welcoming glass of Prosecco. Throughout the day, Captain’s Club ticket holders will also have access to a private pay bar and, depending on the package chosen, further exclusive treats include a fine dining experience, a thirty-minute RIB ride or one-hour powerboat experience on a Fairline Phantom 48. Captain’s Club packages start at just £89 per person.
“We are incredibly excited that the Southampton International Boat Show that everyone knows and loves is back, and this year with an entirely new feel and look making it different to any previous event,” said British Marine’s head of events Mark Ring, “We have created additional dedicated areas to create a destination for all watersports enthusiasts. Above all, through working closely with Southampton City Council the event will be run strictly in accordance with the Government’s latest Step 4 event guidelines to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe and happy environment.”
Running over 10 days, advance tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com. Tickets cost from just £14 per day for key workers, NHS and emergency staff, armed forces, students and those with other concessions, with Monday-Thursday adult tickets at £21 and tickets for both Fridays and the weekends costing £25.50 per day.
The show is open from 9.30am to 6.30pm, with the Festival Green area remaining open to enjoy outdoor refreshments, food and entertainment until 9.30pm each evening. Tickets are available now to purchase online at www.southamptonboatshow.com.
