Wooden Boat Stage expands and returns to Southampton Boat Show
The Wooden Boat Stage will return to Southampton International Boat Show 2026, with an expanded presence.
Folllowing a strong debut year, the 2026 Wooden Boat Stage will have a larger presence and more dynamic, high-profile platform for live demonstrations, storytelling and skills in action.
Also, new for 2026, the Wooden Boat Stage Afloat will expand the showcase onto the water, presenting a special collection of standout wooden boats with unique stories and outstanding craftsmanship for visitors to experience up close.
Present and demonstrate on the Wooden Boat Stage
The Wooden Boat Stage programme is organised by the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis (BBA), the Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association (WBTA) and Women In Boat Building (WIBB) to shine a spotlight on the skills of wooden boatbuilding in the UK.
Applications are now open for those with a story to tell, a project suited to the stage or a relevant skill to demonstrate. The organising group is particularly keen to support younger and lesser-known individuals in the industry who may not have previously had the opportunity to showcase their craft, and encourages applications from those wishing to share their work with show visitors.
Applicants should apply online.
Jasmine Hill, event director of Southampton International Boat Show, says: “The Wooden Boat Stage embodies the heart and craft of the UK’s wooden boat industry, bringing stories, skills, and projects to life for our visitors. We’re excited to expand the stage in 2026, offering an even bigger platform for talent, innovation, and the timeless appeal of wooden boats.”
Over 200 brands are already confirmed for the 2026 edition of the Southampton International Boat Show.
Colin Henwood, Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association, says: “Wooden boatbuilding represents the very best of craftsmanship, where traditional techniques meet modern thinking, and where every build is a reflection of skill, care, and experience. It’s a discipline that connects people to the water in a uniquely authentic way.
“The Wooden Boat Stage gives that craft the platform it deserves, allowing us to share not just the finished boats, but the process, the people, and the stories behind them. Expanding the stage in 2026, and also showcasing wooden boats afloat, will help us reach new audiences and continue building momentum for the future of the craft.”
The Wooden Boat Stage schedule will showcase this craft’s history and heritage alongside modern wooden boatbuilding, promoting the viability of wood as a sustainable material for the future.
In 2025, the Wooden Boat Stage hosted 68 sessions delivered by 34 organisations, featuring more than 60 individuals, including Jazz Turner, Conrad Humphreys and Dan Lee.
The Southampton International Boat Show takes place from 18-27 September – tickets are now available.
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