New features, new events and a revised layout are planned for this year’s Southampton International Boat Show.
The entrance for the 55th edition of the show has been relocated adjacent to the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex, a departure from its previous location along Southampton’s Town Walls outside West Quay’s food court which organisers, British Marine, say will provide for easier access.
The Watersports Lake sponsored by Towergate Insurance has grown by more than 100sqm, providing more opportunities to get on the water with more than 30% extra activity sessions available for paddleboarding and kayaking under guidance from the Rockley Watersports team of professionals.
Other layout changes include the purpose-built marina featuring a more intuitive zonal layout, making it easier to navigate around the pontoons and compare the craft and around 1300sqm dedicated to clothing and chandlery.
The Quayside Club has a new location and there will also be a new Shipyard Bar with its exclusive Quayside Club VIP area.
The show’s social hub, the Shipyard sponsored by GAC Pindar, will keep its doors open until 9pm on both Saturdays, with Chris Moyles on stage for the show’s opening party with his ‘90s Hangover’ on 14 September, while Symphonic Ibiza, blending iconic dance anthems with live orchestral music, will head the closing party on 21 September.
Other entertainment will include special guests from the America’s Cup in Barcelona appearing live on large screens in the Shipyard and an On the Water Stage Show.
This year British Marine has extended free admission to all children under 18 (two children free with every adult general admission ticket) and has also introduced a new young persons’ ticket for 18-21-year-olds.
The show takes place from 13-22 September 2024.
