NEWS Southampton boat show cancellations
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IdealBoat
On the eve of opening, two boat show hosts, British Marine and MDL Marinas received the ‘devastating news’ from Southampton City Council that the events could no longer go ahead, due to the rising risk of COVID-19 and growing Government fears. Due to take BOATS2020 marina occupied and ready for visitors on the eve of opening place from 11-20 September 2020, both hosts had worked to ensure COVID-19 secure requirements were met. For the smaller scale, outdoor Southampton boat show replacement, BOATS2020, a purpose built marina with 5-metre wide pontoons and shoreside show areas of Mayflower Park had been engineered to allow for social distancing, and online ticket holders were being reassured of the measures in place just hours before. The ‘11th hour’ decision left 188 exhibitors and imminent visitors very disappointed. Speaking out on the cancellation of its appointment-only Ocean Village Boat Show, MDL Marinas Sales and Marketing Director, Tim Mayer, stated “This is very disappointing for the industry. We don’t agree with the decision but do understand that the council is worried about an influx of visitors, however, both shows have been very careful with the arrangements for controlling visitor numbers. We are devastated by this last minute decision.” In a statement, Southampton City Council urged visitors not to make the journey to Southampton and Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health at Southampton City Council, said “Due to the increased spread of COVID-19 nationally, and the need for stronger control measures to reduce transmission both in Southampton and across the country, we unfortunately cannot allow the Ocean Village Boat Show and BOATS2020 to take place this month. We have therefore issued a Direction under Regulation 5(1) of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 prohibiting these events from taking place.” With new government guidelines concerning groups being imposed on Monday 14th September, British Marine said it was ‘perplexed’ as to why it was unable to run the show until then. After appealing, CEO of British Marine, said “I am saddened that our appeal has been rejected and the plight of our exhibitors and the industry has not been recognised by the Secretaries of State. The cancellation of the show will have a considerable financial impact on the marine industry, and also on the city of Southampton.” BOATS2020 ticket holders are being offered a credit against the 2021 Southampton International Boat Show 2021 tickets.
October 2020
