Member Article

Liverpool to host new boat show

Plans are underway which could see a brand new maritime event come to Liverpool in 2015.

Discussions have been taking place for the city to host The Northern Boat Show next year, brought here by Carnah Events.

It would be part of the International Mersey River Festival, running from the 5-7 June, and would see world class sailing and power boats head for the Mersey attracting buyers from across the country.

The event is intended to showcase the latest sailing and power boats in Albert Dock. There will be a land-based exhibition on the quayside next to Salthouse Dock.

It is hoped that a boat show would attract thousands of enthusiasts, with all the funding for the event coming solely from the private sector.

In 2014, the International Mersey River Festival attracted around 200,000 visitors and saw a packed programme of maritime activities.

Event Director of the new show, Richard Milbourn said: “Market research shows that half of all UK boat ownership is north of Birmingham and yet less than five per cent of visitors to Southampton or London boat shows come from the North of England.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “Liverpool can provide the perfect platform for a boat show and it’s fantastic prospect for the city.

“A boat show element of the already hugely popular River Festival would take it to the next level.

“Their plans are at an early stage, but Carnah Events have great experience and are determined to make this inaugural show a huge success, with the aim of making it a permanent part of our events calendar.

“I applaud their ambition and I wish them luck.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .