THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to Southampton today as the boat show kicks off in style with Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro.

The winners of the hit show will take centre stage at midday in Solent Park to mark the start of the Southampton Boat Show.

It’s the 47th year the show will hit Southampton Marina and will showcase historical builds and designs from boat manufacturers around the world.

Collabro will be performing on the Sunseeker Charters stage and other celebs enjoying the show include Formula One presenter Suzi Perry.

This year’s show is attracting more than 100 boat debuts and a host of family attractions like On The Water’s Try-a-Boat and the Honda Boat Show Eye.

There will also be a chance for people to see what life is like below the sea with a show aquarium which has been developed with the University of Southampton.

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The aquarium will have tanks and rock pools filled with creatures from Southampton waters and a darkroom showcasing the world of corals and anemones.

Bosses are hoping this year’s show will be the most ‘on-the-water’ event yet by offering youngsters the chance to get out on the water with the group Get Afloat! targeted at 8-16 year olds.

There will also be a touch of luxury as show partners Sunseeker Charters offer a VIP experience which will include a one-hour ride onboard a Sunseeker Predator 56.

Visitors will also be able to climb on board the show’s feature boats, which includes the tall ship Earl of Pembroke, straight from the completion of its full restoration and refit.

Other appearances at the show include the J109 yacht which has been used by members of the RAF competing in world-famous sailing events like the Warsash Series and JP Morgan Round the Island Race.

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The Red Arrows will also be making an appearance for the first time tomorrow.

The boat show normally attracts famous faces and previous years have seen Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman, Olympic sailor Ben Ainslie, opera singer Katherine Jenkins and TV presenter Matt Baker enjoying the show.

Murray Ellis, British Marine Boat Shows’ Managing Director, said: “This year’s Southampton Boat Show further upholds its declaration as Europe’s biggest boating festival by providing more free opportunities than ever before for visitors to get out on the water.

“Whether dinghy sailing, trying out a yacht, power boating or taking a ride on a RIB, we want to get all the family active and exploring the world of boating and watersports at the show.”

The Southampton Boat Show will run until September 20 in Mayflower Park and will open at 11am today.

Visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.