Southampton International Boat Show welcomes back the Wooden Boat Stage for 2026

Wooden Boat Stage Team and Supporters © Southampton International Boat Show

Wooden Boat Stage Skills Demonstration © Southampton International Boat Show

The Southampton International Boat Show, taking place from 18 - 27 September, will unveil a significantly expanded Wooden Boat Stage in 2026, creating an even bigger platform to celebrate, showcase and support the future of wooden boatbuilding in the UK.

The inaugural Wooden Boat Stage in 2025 was created by the collaborative forces of the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis (BBA), the Wooden Boatbuilders' Trade Association (WBTA) and Women In Boat Building (WIBB) to shine a spotlight on the skills of wooden boatbuilding in the UK.

Following a strong debut year, the stage firmly established its place within the show, attracting visitors through daily demonstrations, practical sessions, and expert-led talks and panels. The enduring craft of wooden boatbuilding continues to hold strong appeal for a wide audience, with many visitors sharing their own personal connections to wooden boats in the welcoming and authentic atmosphere created around the stage. Building on this momentum, the Southampton International Boat Show is investing in the 2026 stage to significantly expand its presence, creating a more dynamic, high-profile platform for live demonstrations, storytelling and skills in action.

Jasmine Hill, Event Director of Southampton International Boat Show said: "The Wooden Boat Stage embodies the heart and craft of the UK's wooden boat industry, bringing stories, skills, and projects to life for our visitors. We're excited to expand the stage in 2026, offering an even bigger platform for talent, innovation, and the timeless appeal of wooden boats."

Also, new for 2026, the Wooden Boat Stage Afloat will expand the experience onto the water, showcasing a special collection of standout wooden boats with unique stories and outstanding craftsmanship for visitors to experience up close.

"Wooden boatbuilding represents the very best of craftsmanship, where traditional techniques meet modern thinking, and where every build is a reflection of skill, care, and experience. It's a discipline that connects people to the water in a uniquely authentic way. The Wooden Boat Stage gives that craft the platform it deserves, allowing us to share not just the finished boats, but the process, the people, and the stories behind them. Expanding the stage in 2026, and also showcasing wooden boats afloat, will help us reach new audiences and continue building momentum for the future of the craft." Colin Henwood, Wooden Boatbuilders' Trade Association

Wooden Boat Stage Skills Talk - photo © Southampton International Boat Show

The Wooden Boat Stage schedule will bring alive the passion, craft, people and projects from the UK's wooden boatbuilding industry, showcasing the history and heritage alongside modern wooden boatbuilding, promoting the viability of wood as a sustainable material for the future.

In 2025, the Wooden Boat Stage hosted 68 sessions delivered by 34 organisations, featuring more than 60 individuals, including Jazz Turner, Conrad Humphreys, and Dan Lee. This year, the programme will once again be led by the WIBB, WBTA and BBA, ensuring it remains a true community effort. Applications are now open for those with a story to tell, a project suited to the stage, or a relevant skill to demonstrate. The organising group is particularly keen to support younger and lesser-known individuals in the industry who may not have previously had the opportunity to showcase their craft and encourages applications from those wishing to share their work with show visitors.

Apply here: forms.gle/yMRFgJKuSaMWTyFT9

The Southampton International Boat Show takes place from 18-27 September. Wave 2 tickets for the show are on sale from £21. Book your tickets here: www.southamptonboatshow.com