THE biggest boat show in the UK is set to return to Southampton this September. 

Southampton International Boat Show is set to return to Mayflower Park from September 10 until September 19 this year. 

This comes after last year's event was cancelled the day before it was due to go ahead. 

British Marine, the organisers of the popular event announced the news today after the Prime Minister published his roadmap for reopening.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “After more than a year dominated by the pandemic, we are delighted to be working with Southampton City Council to bring the show back to the city again and plans for the new layout and zone are really exciting.

"The show will inspire and capture the next-generation and growing number of get-afloat newcomers through the new zone experience whilst balancing the more targeted needs of serious boat buyers through the marina showcasing power and sail craft.

British Marine has also confirmed that additional land has been agreed for use this year.

The larger space creates the opportunity for a new entrance to the show and festival area outside Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre.

New zones have been created to give a "tailored show experience" with areas for paddle boards, kite surfers, kayaks and windsurfers with a stage, street food and music.

There will also be a Dinghy Zone geared towards the interest of dinghy sailors and high-performance sailing as well as a Classic Boat & Day Boat.

Moving into Mayflower Park and the marina, there will be hundreds of power and sail boats, equipment and services on show. 

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Organisation at Southampton City Council, added: “The Southampton International Boat Show is a key event in our calendar, and with plans for the show’s first ever Community Day and festival area, which aims to connect Southampton residents with the marine community, we are very much looking forward to welcoming boat fanatics young and old to the event and showing everyone what our great city has to offer.

"The organisers will be working closely with the city’s events safety advisory group, which includes representation from Public Health, to deliver an event that complies with government advice and the national roadmap out of lockdown."