The Southampton International Boat Show has recreated The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ artwork on the water to celebrate the 55th anniversary of both the show and the album.
Replacing the zebra crossing of Abbey Road in London with a giant stand-up paddleboard on the Solent in Southampton, a Beatles tribute band balanced on the board over the water to capture the perfect shot, with the marina boats giving the impression of the north London road.
The stunt was in advance of this year’s Boat Show, which is set to take over Mayflower Park from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 September 2024 and promises an unforgettable celebration of all things marine.
For fans of the Beatles, ‘Beatles Dub Club’ – a magical mystery DJ set consisting of covers, remixes and tracks from the Fab Four – will be taking to the Shipyard stage on Friday 13, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Thursday 19 and Saturday 21, part of a star-studded line-up headlined by Chris Moyles (14) and Ibiza Symphony (21).
As Britain’s largest marine festival, the show will cater to everyone—from seasoned sailors to first-time explorers. Visitors can discover an incredible range of exhibits, from stand-up paddleboards to luxurious superyachts, and discover the latest innovations in boating technology.
The show’s Watersports Zone will return better than ever, featuring 30% more activities on the Watersports Lake. Whether you’re a kayaking enthusiast or trying paddleboarding for the first time, expert instructors will be on hand to ensure you make the most of your time on the water.
Unmissable highlights include:
- Show Marina: The largest temporary show marina in Europe, showcasing over 350 boats, from sleek yachts to adrenaline-pumping speedboats, with renowned exhibitors such as Sunseeker, Princess, and Beneteau.
- Classic & Day Boat zone, sponsored by Classic Boat Magazine: A journey through maritime history with beautifully restored classic boats and modern yachts, offering hands-on experiences in knot-tying, boatbuilding, and even helming a vessel.
- The Shipyard, sponsored by GAC Pindar: Back by popular demand, this vibrant area will host live music, including DJ sets from Chris Moyles and Ibiza Symphony, street food stalls, and giant screens showing live sports and the America’s Cup.
- Quayside Club: For those looking to enjoy the show in style, the Quayside Club offers luxury hospitality, including an exclusive menu crafted by award-winning chef Jonas Lodge.
Adult tickets are on sale now from £29.99 with up to 2 children aged 17 and under are permitted free entry to the show with every paying adult. Plus, young adults aged 18-21 can also enter the show for free, valid ID to be shown at the gate. For a full breakdown of ticket costs and packages, please visit southamptonboatshow.com.
Enjoy the show in style with Quayside Club VIP experience, where you will experience first class hospitality, gazing across the incredible views of the show marina. Enjoy culinary excellence with Chef Jonas Lodge, who has curated an exclusive menu for this year’s show. For guests looking for the ultimate VIP treatment, tickets are priced at £164.99 per person for standard days and £199.99 per person for both Saturdays. Visit the website for more information. (Thursday 19 already sold out, extra capacity released for both Saturdays.)
To keep up with the latest news and announcements, follow the Southampton International Boat Show on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
You can also make a donation to this year’s show charity when purchasing your tickets. This year we are delighted to be working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and their Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital, one of the top children’s hospitals in the UK. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children’s hospital truly world class.
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