CLASSICAL star Katherine Jenkins’ voice rang out around the marina as this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show launched in style.

The Welsh mezzo-soprano was among a host of well-known faces to show up, including Dragons’ Den star Theo Pathitis.

The show got off to a flying start with a spectacular flypast from a Second World War Spitfire.

Thousands of people are expected to pass through the gates of the show, the largest of its kind in Europe, which runs until Sunday, September 19.

Mayflower Park has been transformed into a marina and about 1,000 boats and 500 exhibitors are set to take part. The week will also see a variety of boat-related activities from riding a pedalo to taster diving sessions.

Miss Jenkins performed a variety of songs from her latest album while on the stern of the largest boat on display, Sunseeker’s new 40-metre yacht.

The singer struggled to keep her black dress from billowing upwards in the strong winds and joked with the crowd, “I’m having a Marilyn moment, I hope I’m not flashing anyone.”

Afterwards she said: “It’s the first time I’ve sung on something like this and it’s incredible. I think I’d have to do a few more concerts before I can get one, though.”

The vessel itself was launched by Mr Paphitis,who owns a 30-metre Sunseeker.

Getting things under way earlier were ITV’s All at Sea stars Dawn Porter and Nick Hancock, who arrived by water to cut the official ribbon on an original Second World War RAF high speed rescue launch.

Despite overcast windy conditions, as their vessel docked the distinctive grey Spitfire appeared under the clouds to pass along Southampton Water, in tribute to the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Mr Hancock, best known for presenting the quiz show They Think it’s All Over, said: “This is the first job I’ve ever been on that my wife has come with me to stop me buying anything.”

■ For more details or tickets visit southamptonboatshow.com.