29 Sep The 2021 Poole Harbour Boat Show is cancelled
Next year’s Poole Harbour Boat Show has been cancelled due to the ongoing uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Poole Harbour Boat Show is the largest, FREE to attend boat show in the UK, attracting over 32,000 visitors each year. After cancelling the 2020 show which was due to take place in June, event organisers Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) have confirmed that the show will not go ahead in 2021 either, but that they hope to see it return in 2022.
Covid-19 has had a profound effect on almost every industry it has touched and has seen live events disappear almost overnight in the wake of the pandemic.
“The Boat Show has been a huge success over the past five years and the decision to cancel for 2021 has not been taken lightly. However, pressure on business resources across the marine industry and beyond is high, making planning for the future very difficult,” said Jim Stewart, CEO of Poole Harbour Commissioners.
The show is not a money-making exercise for PHC, it is an event that was developed to give something back to the local and wider marine community. With the ongoing uncertainty and impact of the virus continuing to remain unknown, Poole Harbour Commissioners need to refocus their resources on their core business objectives.
Jim continued “At this uncertain time, it is prudent that as a business we focus on our key Harbour and Port roles and responsibilities. Unfortunately for now, that comes at the cost of the Boat Show. I am confident that by making this difficult decision now, we will be better placed to move forward and face the challenges that lie ahead.
This is not the end of the Poole Harbour Boat Show, it will return once again as the fantastic event the boating community has come to love.”