BoatLife 2025 cancelled

Pendigo Events and the NEC Group have confirmed that the UK boat show, BoatLife 2025, scheduled to take place from 6 to 9 February 2025 in Birmingham, has been cancelled.

Organisers have apologised for any disappointment the news brings to exhibitors, attendees, and partners and say all exhibitors and attendees are being contacted by Pendigo Events with respect to refunds.

The statement continues: ‘Pendigo Events and the NEC Group thank all those that were due to attend for their interest and support of BoatLife 2025 and look forward to welcoming them to another show soon.’

Richard Dove founded the boat show three years ago. In July 2024 the event was acquired by the NEC Group’s newly established events division, Pendigo Events.

At the time of the acquisition, organisers said the investment from the NEC Group was set to propel Boatlife into an exciting new phase of expansion, marking a significant development in the show’s journey.

“Boatlife is the first exhibition in the portfolio of Pendigo Events,” said Anthony Mitchell, managing director of Pendigo Events, following the acquisition. “We are proud to be the new owners of the UK’s biggest indoor boat event.”

The 2024 edition of Boatlife saw attendance figures closely mirroring those of last year’s show. The second edition of Boatlife in 2023 welcomed 14,000 visitors over four days.

The 2025 edition of the show included plans for a purpose-built canal and beach area. Now the cancellation statement is posted on the Boatlife homepage.