A FLOATING fish and chip shop took to the water at the Southampton International Boat Show as the event continued to draw large crowds.

The eye-catching craft - Fish and Ships - became the latest attraction at the annual crowd-pleaser, dubbed Britain's biggest festival of boating.

A show spokesperson described it as the first fish and chip shop float-thru.

They added: "Visitors enjoyed that ‘fry-day feeling’ as they took to the water to pick up their freshly made meals, before floating off to enjoy them."

Daily Echo: A floating fish and chip shop takes to the water at the Southampton International Boat Show.Southampton International Boat Show.A floating fish and chip shop takes to the water at the Southampton International Boat Show.Southampton International Boat Show. (Image: Southampton International Boat Show.)

Other attractions took a battering as hungry spectators arrived by boat and other firms of waterborne transport to collect their fish and chips.

The tasty food was provided by Bennett’s Fish and Chips and the ‘float-thru’ was powered by RIBEYE BOATS.

Lesley Robinson, chief executive of British Marine, which organises the show, added: "Our aim is to showcase accessibility and get as many people as possible out on the water regardless of their ability.

"As an added extra this year, we created the show’s first floating ‘drive through’, giving visitors any added encouragement they might need.

"Outside of the ‘float-thru’ there are many opportunities for visitors to try something new including a high-speed RIB ride or testing their balance on a stand-up paddleboard.”

Daily Echo: A floating fish and chip shop takes to the water at Southampton International Boat Show.A floating fish and chip shop takes to the water at Southampton International Boat Show. (Image: Southampton International Boat Show)

The show, at Mayflower Park, ends on Sunday.

Every year people travel from across the country to attend the hugely-popular event, which boasts entertainment, water sports and a wide variety of boats.

Speaking shortly before this year's show began Lesley said: "Southampton is synonymous with boating and we are very much about celebrating that and supporting the local community.

“Bringing the show into Southampton supports it from a business point of view. It has quite a substantial economic impact for the city."

The show includes a water sports zone boasting a wide range of equipment. Other attractions include a shallow pool where people who want to test their paddleboarding skills, and a tank where visitors can learn to dive.

The show was closed on Monday, the day of the Queen's funeral.

Leslie said: "Normally we get over 100,000 people for the 10-day show. This year’s is nine days long but I'm hopeful it will be the same amount."

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