Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-min.jpg" alt="The Southampton International Boat Show" class="wp-image-38122" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-min-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Ahoy there! <a href="https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/">The</a> <a href="https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southampton International Boat Show</a> is back this 19-28 September and it’s bigger, glossier and more unmissable than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just fancy dipping a toe into the nautical lifestyle, here’s our pick of the top ten things not to miss – all included in your ticket.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-boats-glorious-boats">1. Boats, glorious boats</h2>



<p>Where else can you stroll Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina and get up close to over 300 spectacular vessels? Think sleek sailing yachts, powerful motorboats and luxury tenders – all sparkling in the September sunshine. Look out for Thunder Child II, a 72ft record-breaking golden stunner, and the Landing Craft F8, the first British war vessel wrapped in Pride colours. A jaw-dropper of a line-up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-the-soundtrack-to-your-weekend">2. The soundtrack to your weekend</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-music-stage.jpg" alt="The Shipyard Stage Live Music at Southampton International Boat Show" class="wp-image-38143" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-music-stage.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-music-stage-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-music-stage-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-music-stage-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>From sea shanties to superstar DJs, the live music line-up is a showstopper. BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills takes to the decks at <a href="https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/shipyard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Shipyard</a> on Sat 20 Sept, while Flash – a Queen tribute band – and an Elton John tribute keep the party going. Throughout the whole of the show, head here for DJs, soul, funk, pop, rock and party covers keeping the crowds entertained. This year, the show’s music programme also features the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs, the HMS Collingwood Marching Band, in support of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and the Southampton Rock Choir.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-new-southampton-boat-show-stages-for-2025">3. New Southampton Boat Show stages for 2025</h2>



<p>Fresh this year: The Powerhub, showcasing the latest in powerboats and innovation, complete with a brand-new stage, The Cockpit, dedicated to speed and performance. Wooden boat lovers can head to the new <a href="https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/the-wooden-boat-stage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wooden Boat Stage</a> for demos, talks and hands-on workshops, while the <a href="https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/the-boating-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boating Academy</a> is the place to sharpen your skills with advice from the pros.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-adrenaline-by-the-marina">4. Adrenaline by the marina</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-water-display2-min.jpg" alt="Water display at Southampton International Boat Show Hampshire days out" class="wp-image-38125" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-water-display2-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-water-display2-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-water-display2-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-water-display2-min-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The On-The-Water Stage brings all-out spectacle: expect jaw-dropping jet ski stunts, power displays and non-stop thrills from pro performers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-big-names-big-stories">5. Big names, big stories</h2>



<p>The show isn’t just about the boats. Expect <a href="https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/speakers-and-talks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inspiring talks</a> from legends of the sea including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Conrad Humphreys, Nicky Vaux (aka <em>The Boat Princess</em>) and more, sharing tales of survival, adventure and passion for the ocean.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-make-a-splash">6. Make a splash</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-woman-kids-dinghy.jpg" alt="Try a boat sessions Southampton International Boat Show" class="wp-image-38140" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-woman-kids-dinghy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-woman-kids-dinghy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-woman-kids-dinghy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-woman-kids-dinghy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Roll up your sleeves and get on the water – try paddleboarding, kayaking, dinghy sailing or even your first scuba dive in the Andark Dive Tank. The ever-popular Try-a-Boat sessions let you hop aboard everything from nimble RIBs to luxury cruisers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-foodies-ahoy">7. Foodies ahoy</h2>



<p>Chef Martin Dawkins (aka The Rustic Chef) will be cooking up clever on-board recipes at the brand-new <a href="https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/chefs-ahoy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chefs Ahoy</a> stage – expect everything from zingy Caribbean sauces to galley-friendly tips. Hungry? Refuel at the mini food festival with Baozi buns, gourmet burgers and Duck Shed delights, then toast the day at the Guinness Bar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-eyes-on-the-skies">8. Eyes on the skies</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-parachute.jpg" alt="Red Devils Parachute display over Southampton" class="wp-image-38142" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-parachute.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-parachute-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-parachute-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-parachute-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>As if the waterborne action weren’t enough, the Southampton International Boat Show&#8217;s opening weekend sees a thrilling Spitfire fly past marking two historic anniversaries. Then on Sat 27 Sept, the Red Devils parachute display team drop in – before heading on stage for a meet-and-greet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-shop-it-like-it-s-hot">9. Shop it like it’s hot</h2>



<p>With over 600 marine brands exhibiting, this is the ultimate one-stop shop for anyone looking to invest, upgrade or simply browse the latest marine kit, clothing and accessories. Look out for deals on top sailing brands like Musto, Helly Hansen and Gill, fashionable resort wear from South African brand <a href="https://www.heidisteck.com/">Heidi Steck</a>, accessories from local jewellery designers and lots more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-kids-go-free-at-the-southampton-boat-show-and-there-s-plenty-for-them-to-do">10. Kids go free at The Southampton Boat Show (and there’s plenty for them to do)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-family.jpg" alt="Family at The Southampton Boat Show things to do kids go free Hampshire events" class="wp-image-38141" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-family.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-family-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-family-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Southampton-Boat-Show-2025-family-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Children aged 15 and under get free entry to the show with a paying adult and there’s a packed programme for a family day out. Budding sailors can try paddleboarding, kayaking or even hop aboard a mini craft in the Watersports Zone, while landlubbers can dive into soft play, face painting and creative fun like the Lego Maritime Project. Storytime with Captain Ted Funnel, the Lighthouse Trail and interactive science demos add to the mix, alongside live kid-friendly performances on the Foredeck Stage. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Southampton International Boat Show</a> runs from 19–28 September 2025. Tickets start at £29 (concessions from £23) with free entry for kids under 15.</em></p>


10 Reasons to Set Sail for the Southampton International Boat Show

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