About Southampton International Boat Show
Southampton International Boat Show is the UK's flagship boating and watersports festival and one of the largest on-water shows in Europe. It is organised by British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure marine industry, and takes place each September at Mayflower Park on the Southampton waterfront. The first show was held in 1969, when it ran for six days with around 50 exhibitors.
Today the event combines a purpose-built marina with land-based exhibition areas, so visitors can step aboard boats afloat as well as browse stands ashore. Hundreds of marine brands take part, from boatbuilders and brokers to equipment suppliers and watersports businesses, and the programme adds talks and stages on topics from boating to wooden boats and sailing.
The audience is mainly made up of members of the public, ranging from families exploring boating for the first time to experienced owners looking to upgrade. Many come with a purchase in mind, which is why the show plays such an important role in the sales calendar of the UK leisure marine industry.
Exhibitors can choose from several formats: marina berths for boats on the water, outdoor open space on hard standing or grass, indoor space in the New Wave Hall either as space only or within a shell scheme, a dedicated area for small boats, and turnkey marquee packages. That range means the show suits large boatbuilders and small accessory brands alike, provided the stand is planned for an outdoor, waterside setting.
Next edition
Southampton International Boat Show 2027: what to expect
The 2027 show runs for eight days, from Saturday 18 to Saturday 25 September 2027, at Mayflower Park, and the dates are now published on the organiser's own website. British Marine reported more than 700 marine brands and over 500 watercraft at the 2026 show, its 57th edition, which ran for ten days.
The organiser's price structure rewards early commitment, with early booking rates available until 15 November 2026 and increases at set points through to July 2027. British Marine members receive reduced rates. Waterside stands face wind and rain, so outdoor structures, flooring and graphics need to be specified for exposed conditions, and marina exhibitors should plan boarding arrangements and somewhere close by for sit-down sales conversations over the eight days.