PEOPLE have placed floral tributes the Queen at Southampton International Boat Show as it opened to the public.

Boat lovers across the country have arrived at Mayflower Park in Southampton to listen, learn, and look at a huge selection of luxury vessels.

The annual festival of boating runs from today until September 25.

The nine-day event will not run on Monday out of respect for the Queen's funeral. 

READ MORE: Queen's funeral bank holiday in Southampton: What you need to know

A minute of silence will take place at midday on Saturday and Sunday, and has already taken place on Friday.

A memorial site at the entrance to the show offers a space for visitors to lay flowers and shows a timeline of the Queen's time in Southampton.

CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson says: “British Marine and the whole UK marine leisure industry were deeply saddened by the loss of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"We’ve all agreed that closing the show as a mark of respect would be the most appropriate course of action to join the nation in remembering The Queen.

“As we open the doors on our fifty-third show, we are pleased to see such a big turnout and are excited to welcome many more visitors over our nine-day run.

"Our aim is to get as many people as possible out on the water regardless of ability.

"There are many opportunities for visitors to try something new, from taking a high-speed RIB ride to testing their balance on a stand up paddleboard.” 

The event has previously seen more than 13,000 visitors offering a view of the latest boats and technology. 

Daily Echo: Mason and Lewis Small visiting the boat show Mason and Lewis Small visiting the boat show (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

Father and son Lewis and Mason Small have attended Southampton Boat Show for more than five years.

Lewis, 25, said: "The weather helps us enjoy everything here today and it being one of the biggest boat shows is good.

"We've made our way all the way from Leeds but are only staying for today so we want to make the most of it. We've been around the marina and the park."

Daily Echo: Francis BenaliFrancis Benali (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

Other attendees include former Saints player Francis Benali, who sailed in and gave a talk on his journey in football and boating. 

He said: "I was born in Southampton and I am a proud local and joining Premier boat club being a part of something fun and exciting.

"They're a family that comes together and appreciates what we can do on the water.

"I wouldn't be capable to do what I've done without Premier boat club and I am still learning." 

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