THE Southampton International Boat Show is now just weeks away.

The event is touted as Britain’s biggest festival of boating.

Returning to the shores of the Solent for an entire week, visitors will be able to experience life on the water at Europe’s largest purpose-built marina.

The 52nd edition of the show sees the addition of brand new zones tailored to watersports, dinghies and day boats.

There will be a host of water sports to try including paddleboarding, kayaking and dinghy sailing - all ‘absolutely free’.

The event which takes place at Mayflower Park will run from Friday, September 10 until Sunday, September 19.

And according to the organiser, British Marine, there will be much more than boats to see.

Also on offer will be entertainment, celebrity guests, interactive attractions and delicious food and drink.

There will be demonstrations and educational talks about traditional and modern boat building techniques.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the floating bars and food stalls for ‘a taste of the ocean’.

British Marine, has pledged to make the 2021 edition the most sustainable and environmentally friendly in its 52-year history. Visitors to the show will be able to buy some of the newest and most advanced products made from recycled and recyclable materials.

CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson, previously said: “This year is our 52nd edition and we’re excited by the changes which will make it, unlike any previous Southampton show.

“Our outdoor setting, with Europe’s largest temporary marina capable of hosting over 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.”

For more information or to buy tickets visit the Southampton Boat Show website.

For every adult ticket, two children aged 15 and under have free access.

The show is open from 9.30am to 6.30pm.