THE COUNTDOWN to this year’s Southampton Boat Show has begun as marine firms from across the region head to the city to set up their stands.

Thousands of people are expected to head to Mayflower Park to see some of the glorious crafts on show from this Friday.

It is hoped that air aces the Red Arrows will perform aerobatics over Southampton in a bid to correct their previous failed attempts at flying over the city this Saturday.

For ten 10 days the show will feature some of the world’s most prestigious seafaring companies displaying their glamorous motorboats and sailing vessels.

Families will also get the chance to get out on to the water and try waters sports, whether it is sailing, powerboating or just to find out more about enjoying a life on the seas.

Visitors can expect to see more than 100 debut vessels and there will be a chance to see life from below the surface with an aquarium from the University of Southampton featuring exotic marine wildlife.

Tall ship the Earl of Pembroke – which has appeared in several Hollywood blockbusters – will also be sailing into Southampton allowing people to admire a ship from the Age of Sail.

Meanwhile, families can also enjoy views all over the waterfront onboard the Honda Boat Show Eye ferris wheel.

Murray Ellis, British Marine Boat Shows’s managing director, said: “This year’s Southampton Boat Show further upholds its declaration as Europe’s biggest boating festival by providing more free opportunities than ever before for visitors to get out on the water.

“Whether dinghy sailing, trying out a yacht, power boating or taking a ride on a RIB, we want to get all the family active and exploring the world of boating and watersports at the show.

"Today marks an exciting time in the build-up to Southampton Boat Show as the first boats arrive in the show’s purpose-built marina.

“Over the coming days, more than 350 of the world’s leading sailboats and high-performance powerboats will travel up the Solent to berth in the marina, ready for the show to begin this Friday.”

Southampton Boat Show runs from September 11 to September 20. For tickets visit southamptonboatshow.com.