THE fourth annual Poole Harbour Boat Show will return to Poole Quay in June.

The three-day event, which runs from June 8-10, will bring together a showcase of celebrity-style yachts and motor cruisers, tall ships, marine equipment, water sports gear and clothing, with ‘Try a Boat’ taster sessions, as well as a programme of free family entertainment.

With over 30,000 people in attendance last year, event organisers Poole Harbour Commissioners say the event continues to be the biggest-ever free to attend boat show on the South Coast.

The Ocean Brothers will officially open this year’s show. The two brothers from Lymington recently completed a 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic, spending 53 days at sea to raise money to fund vital skin cancer research, in memory of their father and step-father Peter Massey.

To complete the opening day festivities, visitors will once again be able to enjoy the opening night fireworks display.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners said: “We’re excited to once again host this marvellous show in the harbour. Poole has such a rich maritime history and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate all that it has to offer.

“Admission is free, and the show continues to be the biggest ever free boat show on the south coast, providing an opportunity for those who may not have been on the water before to get a feel of what’s on offer.”

For 2018, luxury motor yacht manufacturer Sunseeker will be returning with the ‘Sunseeker Sessions’ live music stage.

Bryan Jones, marketing manager at Sunseeker International, said: “Being Dorset-based we are delighted to be part of the biggest free boat show in the south. It’s a great opportunity for prospective new employees to meet our recruitment team and find out about what apprenticeships and career options we have available.

“For 2018, we’re also really looking forward to celebrating the launch of our new luxury yachts, Predator 50 and Predator 74."

He added: “After last year’s record attendances, we’re expecting to see even higher numbers of boat enthusiasts descending on Poole Quay for the show and the ‘Sunseeker Sessions’ stage will be a real focal point on the quayside. I would encourage all visitors to come and enjoy some great music whilst enjoying everything the boat show has to offer.”

On-water demonstrations will be back for 2018, with the RNLI, Border Force and Poole Harbour Commissioners putting on displays to show what their work involves on a day-to-day basis.

There will be additional displays from the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and Border Force Control, who will once again be located across the water from the quay.