The Southampton Boat Show is gearing up for its 55th year after starting in the hands of two electricians. 

The show, which began as a small exhibition in Mayflower Park in 1969, has grown into a significant event for the city.

The first show was organised by two local businessmen and their company, Gale-Kemish and Company Ltd, with support from local boat-builders and the Southampton Chamber of Commerce.

Initially met with resistance from the council, who considered it a nuisance, the show quickly proved its worth, becoming a major source of income for the city.

The company later formed a new family-run business, J E Artman and Partners, specifically to manage the Boat Show.

The name was a combination of the names of the two friends, Arthur and Norman, and their respective wives, J and E.

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Despite their lack of boating knowledge, the directors used their skills to manage various aspects of the show, from crowd control to publicity.

The show was run by the company for 20 years until it was sold to the Marine Industries Federation.

The show initially used a small pontoon hired from Marchwood Military Port, which was later replaced by a larger network of pontoons provided by professional marina construction company Walcon.

As the show grew, it expanded beyond the confines of Mayflower Park, with the organisers negotiating with the council to build a scaffolding bridge over Herbert Walker Avenue and take over the grounds of the then Post House Hotel.

A second bridge was later added, and in recent years, the show has expanded into the docks.

The show has not been without its challenges, with weather causing issues on several occasions.

In 1981, a storm caused a marquee to collapse, although fortunately, no one was injured.

Despite these challenges, the show has continued to grow and is now a major event in the city's calendar, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The show has also played host to a number of famous faces over the years, including Lord Mountbatten and Richard Branson.

The 55th Southampton Boat Show will take place from September 13 to 22.