6 August 2024
by British MarineAdventure awaits at the 55th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show, taking place 13-22 September 2024. The UK's premier boating festival is back, packed with a lineup of new events, legendary guests, and hundreds of craft of all shapes and sizes. Find out more about what’s new at this year’s show.
New Show Entrance: This year the show’s entrance 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, providing easier access for visitors embarking on their show experience.
Expanded Watersports Lake: Due to overwhelming popularity, the Watersports Lake sponsored by Towergate Insurance has grown by over 100sqm, making it bigger than ever. Whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned pro, you can now enjoy even more opportunities to get on the water. With over 30% more activity sessions available for paddleboarding and kayaking, you can take advantage of expert guidance from the Rockley Watersports team of professionals.
Late-Night Festivities at The Shipyard: The shows social hub, the Shipyard sponsored by GAC Pindar, will be keeping its doors open until 9pm on both Saturdays. Chris Moyles will set the stage on fire at the show’s opening party with his "90s Hangover" on 14 September, while Symphonic Ibiza, blending iconic dance anthems with live orchestral music, will be heading the closing party on 21 September.
Live Sporting Broadcasts: Experience the thrill of the America’s Cup, with special guests direct from Barcelona and other international sports live on large screens in The Shipyard, ensuring you don't miss a moment of your favourite sporting action.
Redesigned Marina Zones: The purpose-built showcase marina will feature a more intuitive zonal layout, making it easier to navigate around the pontoons and compare over 350 stunning craft to find your dream boat!
On the Water Stage Show: Witness the debut of wingfoiling in our dynamic On the Water Stage Show. National Champion Hugo Dobrijevic will be joining flyboarding expert James Prestwood and jet-ski champion Jack Moule offering a showcase of aquatic athleticism that promises to captivate and inspire spectators of all ages.
Artistic and Charitable Endeavours: As you enter the show, you’ll be greeted by an impressive line-up of all 40 lighthouses from the ‘Light the South’ trail, raising money for the show’s Charity the Southampton Children's Hospital, plus a trail of lighthouses throughout the show as part of the Treasure Hunt. Plus the opportunity for younger visitors to unleash their creativity by designing their own lighthouse models alongside other fun activities.
New location and new award-winning chef at the Quayside Club: With breathtaking views over the marina and On the Water stage, the newly relocated Quayside Club offers a luxurious dining experience in the exclusive waterside lounge, with a menu crafted by the celebrated chef, Jonas Lodge. (Thursday 19 September already sold out and limited availability on Saturdays!)
New Shipyard Bar with exclusive Quayside Club VIP area: The new two-tier bar features a covered roof terrace offering spectacular views of both the Shipyard stage and the show marina in the distance, with exclusive access to the upper tier for Quayside Club ticket holders.
Signature Show Burger: Savor a unique burger specially curated for the show by Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey, available exclusively at the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant sponsored by TheYachtMarket.com.
Boating legends and host of new speakers on the Foredeck Stage: This year we welcome a plethora of new speakers to the Foredeck Stage, sponsored by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly. Some of the biggest names from within the boating community will be joining us to help us celebrate our 55th event. Already confirmed, 4-time Paralympian Hannah Stodel, legendary yacht designer Tony Castro, Maiden Skipper, Heather Thomas; and yachtsman, adventurer, entrepreneur and the first person to sail non-stop, ‘the wrong way’ round the world, Sir Chay Blyth, to name just a few.
Innovative Research activities: Get involved and discover groundbreaking marine research from the University of Southampton, featuring hands-on exhibits like a wave basin demonstration and virtual reality explorations.
LEGO and Learning: In Ocean Hall enjoy a LEGO building workshop on show Saturdays, offering educational fun for the entire family.
Expanded Free Entry Policy: We've extended free admission to all children under 18 (two children free with every adult general admission ticket) and have introduced a new 'Young Persons’ ticket for 18-21-year-olds, making the 2024 show more accessible than ever.
And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite we have all your show favourites, including some 600+ exhibitors showcasing everything from kayaks to catamarans, SUPs to superyachts. Over 1300 square meters dedicated to showcasing top-tier clothing and chandlery from the biggest names in the marine industry, including MUSTO, Helly Hansen, Spinlock, Dubarry, Gill, Rooster, Crewsaver and many more. As well as exciting new exhibitors including Goat Marine Ltd and their comprehensive range of high-quality boating equipment and maritime technologies, Eye Truck with an extensive selection of sunglasses from high-end brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley and Koy Clothing with their range of contemporary and stylish boating attire.
You can also get your toes wet with a whole host on the water activities. Sail a yacht, take the throttle of a motorboat or feel the power of RIB blasting around Southampton water, with Flexisail or try your hand at dinghy sailing, kayaking or paddleboarding with our partners Rockley Watersports. And, if you fancy getting your hair as well as your feet wet, then check out the Andark Dive tank, where you can try a diving or snorkelling, you can even enjoy a mini cruise! What’s more these are all included in the price of your ticket and so much more!
It promises to be a sea-sational day out for the whole family!
About Southampton International Boat Show
The Southampton International Boat Show is the UK's largest boating and water sports festival, celebrating everything boating. Alongside hundreds of exhibitors and incredible boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, the show offers a unique blend of family entertainment, retail opportunities, and live music, making it an unmissable event in the marine calendar.
Get your ticket
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Don’t forget, with every adult general admission ticket, two children under 17 go for free. Plus new for 2024, Young adults aged 18-21 also enjoy free admission, making this an accessible event for families and young enthusiasts alike.
You can also make a donation to this year’s show charity when purchasing your tickets. This year we are delighted to be working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and their Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children's Hospital, one of the top children's hospitals in the UK. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children's hospital truly world class.
Want to make your visit extra special? Treat yourself with our Quayside Club package – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except on the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm. The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September.
Visit the website www.southamptonboatshow.com or follow our social channels for all the latest show updates.