Southampton Boat Show 2024: Everything you need to know

Britain’s biggest boating event, the Southampton Boat Show takes place every September in Mayflower Park and on a purpose-built marina. The 2024 event is due to run from September 13-22 2024.

What’s new at the 2024 Southampton Boat Show?

This year’s Southampton International Boat Show promises to be a spectacular bumper edition.

The show features over 600 exhibitors, showcasing everything from chandlery to superyachts, but as ever, it will be the boats that are the main attraction.  

Over 650 craft are expected on display – around 350 of them afloat in the temporary marina and another 300 or so ashore. This time the pontoons will be configured a little differently to make getting around easier.

The big British boatbuilders Sunseeker and Princess will be in their usual spots on water and ashore at the head of the ramps onto the pontoons, while Fairline will occupy another prime slot at the centre of the marina. And there will be plenty of UK debuts from international brands too, including Prestige, Beneteau, Azimut, Windy, Fjord, Marex, Targa and Nord Star among others.

As well as all the new boats on display there will be multiple food stalls, bars and stages for musicians and boating experts, including an unmissable presentation from MBY contributor Ian Furby on Tuesday 17 Sept at 2.50pm on the Foredeck Stage. Ian will be sharing tales from his epic Round Britain trip in an 18ft open sportsboat.

The Shipyard entertainment zone, meanwhile, will have live band performances and professional DJs, including Chris Moyles on the first Saturday with what he’s calling a ‘90s Hangover’ set and ‘Symphonic Ibiza’ dance music on the final Saturday night. 

Big screens will also be showing live broadcasts of the America’s Cup racing from Barcelona.

This hugely popular show hub will now stay open until 9pm on both Saturdays. 

The Watersports Lake will also be bigger and better than ever, giving showgoers plenty of opportunities to try everything from paddleboarding to kayaking.

The main entrance to the show will be moving from outside the West Quay Shopping Centre’s Food Court to the Quays Swimming & Diving Complex. 

Gates open at 10am and close at 6pm, except for the final Sunday when it closes an hour earlier. Tickets are available online at www.southamptonboatshow.com.  

Where to stay during the Southampton Boat Show

Southampton has a large selection of different types of accommodation. From fully-catered hotels to more affordable inns and apartments, there is something for every pocket. Just make sure you book in advance as the city gets very busy during the boat show.

Read our guide of where to stay near the Southampton Boat Show

Keep checking back nearer the show to read our exclusive preview coverage of these and many more boats at the 2023 Southampton show.