Southampton's BOATS2020 cancelled over virus fears
hours before gates open





Public health officials have cancelled two boat shows hours before they were due to
start over coronavirus fears.

BOATS2020, and the smaller sailing show MDL Ocean Village, were due to start in
Southampton on Friday, with an expected 20,000 visitors over the next 10 days.

The organisers of BOATS2020 said they were told at about 18:30 BST that the event
could not go ahead.

Southampton City Council said the decision was "regrettable" but made with public
safety in mind.

Lesley Robinson, chief executive of British Marine, which organised BOATS2020,
said she was "desperately disappointed" by the cancellation, "especially receiving
the news at the eleventh hour before opening".

She added: "Alongside our exhibitors, we were ready to open a show that exceeded
all safety requirements. We are truly perplexed as to why we are unable to run
the show at least until Monday in line with the government restrictions imposed
yesterday.

"Public health and safety come first and naturally, as the show organiser, British
Marine must comply with all guidance."

About 230 boats had been brought to the city for the show.

Southampton City Council's director of public health, Debbie Chase, said:
"In Southampton and the South East, we have seen a lower rate of COVID-19
transmissions since lockdown ended.

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