Organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show 2026 have confirmed growing support for the 57th edition, with over 200 brands already committed and numbers continuing to rise ahead of the UK’s premier marine showcase in Mayflower Park. Despite challenging market conditions, the industry is backing the show, recognising that visibility and investment now are key to securing future growth.
As the UK’s national boat show, Southampton attracts over 90,000 visitors each year, including a highly engaged audience of serious boat buyers, high-net-worth individuals and industry professionals. For exhibitors, it remains a proven sales and marketing platform, offering scale, reach and real commercial return through meaningful engagement, strong leads and brand visibility.
To maximise reach, the show is working with specialist event marketing and marine agencies to deliver a targeted campaign, extending visibility and attracting a high-quality visitor base. Early indicators are positive, with ticket numbers already tracking ahead year-on-year. This is further supported by ongoing partnerships within the marine sector, including continued collaboration with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), offering exclusive access to its 100,000+ members.
The show is also enhancing its appeal through premium experiences, including dedicated lounges and tailored hospitality, designed to engage high-value visitors in a considered setting. This sits within a broader strengthening of the show’s commercial offer, reflected in the continued backing of new and returning sponsors including Close Brothers, DF Capital, Cirrus, The Yacht Market and Onyx, among others. Their support underlines confidence in the show’s audience and overall value, while providing exhibitors with enhanced opportunities for high-quality connections and commercial success.
A strong and expanding show programme is already taking shape, with key features already confirmed including: Show Lake | Guinness Bar | Wooden Boat Building Stage | Boating Academy Stage | Try-a-Boat experiences | Shipyard | Waterside Lounge and this is just the beginning, with new features, partnerships and activations being added all the time, ensuring a dynamic and evolving show experience that delivers for exhibitors and visitors alike.
To secure your space at this year’s Show, contact Loretta Westoll-Green at LWestoll-Green@britishmarine.co.uk. Also be sure to ask about our new fully inclusive marquee packages for 2026, offering a simpler and more efficient way to exhibit.
Join Southampton International Boat Show’s Exhibitor Steering Group
Alongside delivering a strong 2026 event, organisers are already developing plans for 2027, demonstrating long-term commitment to the show as a cornerstone of the UK marine industry. Supporting this, the exhibitor steering group, which helps shape the future of the show, is evolving. For more information and to express interest in joining the group, please contact Loretta Westoll-Green at lwestollgreen@britishmarine.co.uk
For more information about exhibiting at the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show visit:
