Exhibitor registration has now opened for the 12th annual Barclays Jersey Boat Show, which will be held over the Spring Bank Holiday of Saturday 04 to Monday 06 May 2019.
The Barclays Jersey Boat Show remains the largest free entry event in the Channel Islands, organised and promoted by Ports of Jersey and managed by local events specialists, 3D Events. The three-day show, which takes place in and around the award-winning St Helier Marina and adjacent Weighbridge Place will continue to provide free entry as a result of the continuing support of Barclays which, in 2019, will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary as title sponsors.
Myra Shacklady from Ports of Jersey who has overall responsibility for the staging of the boat show says, “I am, as always, delighted and proud to be launching our next show. Little did we know back in 2008 when the show first began that we would still be here all these years later and in particular that we would have achieved the success we’ve had. While our remit remains firmly on showcasing our marine leisure opportunities it is a reflection of its popularity among traders and the public that we now include leisure and lifestyle products and activities, opening ourselves to a wider audience and creating a genuine community focused event. Feedback remains positive, which shows audiences like what we’re doing.”
On behalf of title sponsors, Barclays, Paul Savery, says, “2019 will be our 10th anniversary supporting the Jersey Boat Show and we are thrilled to see how it has grown to become one of Jersey’s major community events and a cornerstone in the Island’s calendar. The show for us plays to a number of our objectives; we can help provide a great community event focused on the important role of the sea in Jersey’s history, both present and future, an opportunity for us to support the economy and last but not least it is an important occasion for raising both funds and awareness of local charities”.
In the nine years since it has supported the event, Barclays has raised over £80,000 for its nominated charities. In particular, the ‘Hook a Duck’ game is a staple at the show and in 2018 for example, helped raise £12,600 for the Royal British Legion. Each year local youngsters are given the opportunity to design the show’s mascot duck with the 2019 theme being ‘celebration’. The winning duck will be unveiled at the opening of next year’s show with organisers promising it will really capture the celebratory spirit as Barclays prepares for its 10th year association with the show.
With exhibitor and catering registrations now open, organisers can focus attention on putting together a comprehensive programme of activities, which as always will include something for all the family to enjoy. This will include a Main Stage entertainment programme, sponsored by Solent Stevedores, activities both on and off the water in the Outdoor & Active Zone as well as an extensive range of marine and leisure/lifestyle services and products. The main focus draw will be on St Helier Marinas itself, which in 2018 welcomed in excess of 14,000 people onto the pontoons to view the many watercraft on display; the highest number of pontoon visitors in the show’s history. Organisers are hopeful of attracting an even higher number of marine traders to the 2019 show. Although not expected to be confirmed until the New Year, it is likely that the Royal Navy will also play a prominent part in the 2019 show. Niche Events is once again the event’s preferred hospitality partner and CI Travel Group its preferred travel partner.
Due to the popularity of previous shows, organisers are urging anyone interested in taking part to complete and return their application form without delay to avoid disappointment as registrations remain available on a first come basis. An ‘Early Bird’ offer is available to those who confirm and pay a deposit prior to the end of January 2019. To download an exhibitor pack and application form as well as further updates, visit jerseyboatshow.com or follow the event on Facebook & Twitter
