Covid: Southampton 2021 boat show opens after cancellations

The Southampton International Boat Show has opened to the public after last year's event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

The event, in its 52nd year, showcases maritime businesses and promotes the water sports sector.

In September 2020 a smaller replacement show was axed with hours' notice amid fears abour rising coronavirus cases.

The show was opened by Team GB sailors recently returned from the Olympics in Tokyo.

This year's event features more than 500 boats and 350 marine brands and has Europe's largest, purpose-built marina.

The planned scaled-back show - Boats2020 - was cancelled, along with the Ocean Village Boat Show, by public health officials the day before they were due to open.

This year, all show attendees and exhibitors are required to show evidence of a negative lateral flow test.

Other measures introduced to combat any spread of coronavirus include sanitising station and exhibition stands being more open to allow air flow.

It was granted permission to occupy more space earlier this year, with a new entrance to the show and festival area from outside West Quay shopping centre.

Organisers British Marine said Southampton was the "centre of British sailing".

"We're incredibly proud to be back here again for 2021. We're really trying to focus on the accessibility of boating and watersports across the board," it said.

The show generated £31m for the city when it was last held in 2019.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].