SOUTHAMPTON International Boat Show sails into the city tomorrow, but what can people expect?
Now in its 53rd year, the incredibly popular event will run from September 16 to 25 at Mayflower Park.
People travel from across the country to attend the show, which boasts entertainment, water sports and a variety of boats.
'Get out on the water!'
CEO of British Marine, which organises the show, Lesley Robinson, is excited to bring the event to the city once more.
She said: “Southampton is synonymous with boating, and we are very much about celebrating that and supporting the local community.
“Bringing the show into Southampton supports it from a business point of view. It has quite a substantial economic impact for the city.
“And I really want to encourage people to get out onto the water.”
And encourage people she will thanks to the show’s wide range of activities.
READ MORE: All you need to know about the international show heading to Southampton
Visitors can enjoy a water sports zone full of equipment, from wakeboards to paddleboards and surfboards, and more.
A special, shallow pool has been introduced for people to test out their paddleboarding skills, whether that be for the first time or after numerous attempts.
People can also learn to dive thanks to a diving tank.
On top of that, the dinghy zone is ‘bigger and better’ this year and hosts an extensive range of boats.
Nine-day show
Lesley said: “We are always looking to develop the show and we really want to get people on the water.
“We are trying to get 20 per cent more people on the water. It’s always our ambition to welcome more people to the show.
“Normally, we get over 100,000 people for the 10-day show.
READ NEXT: Southampton boat show to close on day of Queen's funeral as a 'mark of respect'
“This year’s is nine days long but I am hopeful it will be the same amount. “
The show will be closed to visitors on the day of the Queen’s funeral, Monday, September 19.
The decision was made as a mark of "our deepest respect for her and her family."
Lesley said: “Closing the show on September 19 will allow everyone, from those manning the stands, to those teams behind the scenes, the opportunity to join the nation in remembering The Queen on this day of national mourning.”
Tickets can be purchased here southamptonboatshow.com with prices starting at £26.
Residents in SO14 to SO19 postcodes can buy tickets for a discounted price.
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