Each September, Southampton’s waterfront is transformed into a spectacular showcase of marine excellence – the Southampton International Boat Show. Attracting thousands of visitors, hundreds of exhibitors and a packed programme of displays, experiences, and entertainment, it is one of Europe’s largest on-water events.
Returning for its 56th year and reimagined for 2025, the show features a new entrance through Mayflower Park, and an expanded line-up of on and off-water experiences. From luxury yachts and live cooking demonstrations from Michelin-approved chefs, to live DJ sets, the show encompasses 50,000 square meters of docks and required months of planning and careful logistics, all before the gates opened on day one.
The Logistics Behind The Show
Ensuring the success of a large-scale event like this requires more than spectacular vessels and enthusiastic crowds. Coordination, planning, and practical facilities are all vital to keep exhibitors, staff, and visitors safe and comfortable for the duration of the event. From welfare cabins to secure offices, site operations depend on a wide range of temporary units to keep things running smoothly.
This year, Storage on Site was proud to play its biggest role yet, providing more units than ever before to help the event team deliver another seamless show.
From Landmark Monuments To Site Essentials
Our site accommodation cabins and storage containers have played an integral part of how the show worked this year. Spread across the site, our units give staff, contractors, and organisers the space and facilities they need to keep the event running smoothly.
At the heart of the action, the Shipyard stage stands out as one of the most impressive sights. Surrounded by our stacked containers, the landmark creates the authentic feel of a working dockyard. The 40ft container archway provides a dramatic backdrop for live performances from DJ Scott Mills and a crowd-pleasing Queen tribute act, Flash. The towering containers framed the entertainment area perfectly, capturing the maritime spirit while serving as functional offices and stores for the event team.
Elsewhere across the site, our units are shining in equally vital roles. Security teams are supported with strategically placed offices at key checkpoints, while the site operations and event director offices give organisers the dedicated space they need to coordinate a complex, large-scale event.
Catering teams are also well supported, with canteens placed at Mayflower Park and near the Voco by IHG hotel, making sure both staff and visitors stay fuelled throughout the show. Behind the scenes, our medical welfare room provides a safe and private space for healthcare teams, while dedicated cleaning and maintenance stores help keep the site running efficiently throughout the fortnight duration of the show.
In total, more than 30 cabins and containers are positioned across the showground, each serving a unique purpose. From striking structures and storage in the Shipyard, to welfare facilities, admin offices, and catering hubs in the busiest areas. Together, they create the infrastructure that allows the show’s entertainment, exhibits, and visitor experiences to shine.
Speaking about this year’s show, Neil Vickery, Managing Director at Storage on Site, said:
”The Southampton International Boat Show is always a highlight of our events calendar, and we’re thrilled to have supported the team with more units than ever before this year. It’s a brilliant example of how our cabins and containers can be adapted for so many different needs on one site. We’re proud to have played a part in helping the event run so smoothly.
Neil VickeryManaging Director
Looking Ahead
As we approach the closing weekend of the Southampton International Boat Show, it’s clear that this year has been another standout success for the city, the marine industry, and everyone involved in bringing the event to life.
From world-class entertainment at the Shipyard stage to the countless exhibitors showcasing innovation on the water, the show has once again proved why it’s a highlight of the calendar. For Storage on Site, being able to support the organisers with more units than ever before has been brilliant, and we’re proud to have played our part in helping create such a memorable experience for visitors, exhibitors, and staff alike.
