New zones and community day for SIBS
British Marine has released what it terms ‘a bold new layout’ for this year’s Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS). The layout, it says, brings exciting developments.
This developments come in the form of additional land with a new entrance to the show, and festival area, outside Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre, says the trade organisation.
New zones
It plans on creating new zones for specific interests. The first zone will be for paddle boards, kite surfers, kayaks and windsurfers, accompanied by a stage, street food, and music. There will also be a dinghy zone which, British Marine says, will flow into a classic boat & day boat zone. Mayflower Park and the ‘massive marina’ will showcase power and sail boats, equipment and services.
The plan is to create a constantly active water park, between the pontoons and shore, to host on-the-water experiences while landslide features include stages, live music, entertainment and guest speakers.
Community day
“SIBS 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,” says councillor Jacqui Rayment, Southampton City Council.
“While we were disappointed that last year’s event couldn’t go ahead, everyone’s health and safety must come first. I’m therefore really pleased to be working with British Marine again as we look to produce a safe, enjoyable and expanded show at Mayflower Park and other sites across the city. 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.”
Health and safety
Health, safety and security of visitors remains the number one priority, says organisers. Through engagement with the relevant government department and Southampton City Council, British Marine says it will incorporate any necessary Covid-19 safety measures that may be required at the time.
“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 zones are really exciting,” says Lesley Robinson, CEO. “The show will inspire and capture the growing number of get-afloat newcomers through the new zone experience whilst balancing the more targeted needs of larger yacht builders within the marina showcasing the very latest power and sail craft.
“Our end goal is to build on this national celebration of boating and watersports, offering a great day out for the family in one location and a way of enthusing future generations. We invite exhibitors to be part of this vision. The show will demonstrate by example how boating is accessible and safe and take advantage of the unrivalled space we have to create exclusive opportunities for serious buyers to engage.”
