Organisers of the Beale Park Boat Show, at Lower Basildon in Berkshire, announced today that this year’s event is as popular as ever, despite the current financial climate, as exhibitor bookings hold their own and new attractions join the show.Many exhibitors return on an annual basis because they love the atmosphere of the show and the business opportunities that it generates. Comments include:
Dennis Marden of Country Seats UK
“I look forward each year to exhibiting at this show: great people, very interesting exhibits, a must for all boaters. A weekend with camping, boat rides, good food, music....it’s brilliant.”
Andy Wyke of National Maritime Museum – Cornwall
“Beale Park is perfect for reaching our most important audience; namely people who love small boats as we do.”
Robin Ford of Thames Traditional Boat Society
“This is my favourite boat show; lovely setting, friendly atmosphere and full of real boats.”
Mark Stanley of Stanley & Thomas Boat Builders
“We have always found that the show is friendly, well run and, above all, productive”
Gillie Jackson, Event Organiser said, “It is tremendously rewarding to receive such positive feedback from our exhibitors and to have the opportunity to welcome newcomers, especially at a time when businesses are battling against the odds. So it is even more satisfying to know that the show is able to assist them in the promotion of their business, enabling them to showcase their products in a productive and user friendly environment.”
One of the UK’s leading regional boat shows, the Beale Park Boat Show also enjoys the continued support of the Environment Agency, who are using this year’s event to promote their “Discover Your River Thames 2010” campaign.
The campaign aims to help families discover the wealth of fun family activities that exist on the River Thames; from boating to museums. As part of the initiative at the show they will be encouraging children to download a "passport to fun" from www.visitthames.co.uk/discover2010. They can then collect stickers at participating riverside venues (including Beale Park) to get an exciting free gift and entry into a grand prize draw. Children will be able to collect a sticker at the show from the River Thames and the free boat trips stands.
A show known for its tireless efforts to introduce visitors to the water, organisers are taking their water borne activities to another level this year as they welcome Water Buoyz; giving visitors the opportunity to climb inside a giant plastic ball and walk on water while remaining completely dry!
Catering for a broad section of the boating community, this popular event offers boating enthusiasts and newcomers alike, an action-packed day out with something for everyone. Last year organisers introduced a series of talks and demonstrations with a “watery” theme and recent years have seen a rapid growth in the Classic Cars display.
Showing a range of vintage vehicles with everything from the British TS2 to American classics, this year will feature a historic icon - the Coca Cola Triumph car, one of only two produced with the famous Coca Cola livery and an interior in Levi denim!
Set against a stunning backdrop of the River Thames, one of the showground’s most outstanding features is its seven acre lake which enables visitors to take to the water quickly and easily – catering for their boating needs and showing a large variety of vessels with everything from wooden boats, canoes, coracles, sailing and motor boats to steam, electric, solar and pedal powered craft.
The show’s most popular elements include: free river trips and family canoeing (subject to availability), a “try a boat” scheme operated by exhibitors, boating displays on the lake; a demonstration by Newfoundland dogs; a craft and specialist food produce marquee; cookery workshops; live music; dancing displays; a beer tent and children’s activities.
Visitors will also have the chance to win a boating holiday with Le Boat, Europe’s number one boating holiday company, who are offering a family cruise worth £1,500.
Show opening times are Friday 4th and Saturday 5th June, 10am to 6pm and Sunday 6th June from 10am to 5pm.
Ticket prices:
Friday - in advance are £6 adult and £2 for children (5yrs-15yrs). Under 5s are free. Family tickets are £14 (2 adults and 2 children).
Friday – on the gate are £7 adult and £2 for children (5yrs -15yrs). Under 5s are free. Family tickets are £15.
Saturday & Sunday - in advance are £7 adult and £2 for children (5yrs-15yrs). Under 5s free. Family tickets are £16.
Saturday & Sunday - on the gate are £8 adult and £3 for children (5yrs-15yrs). Under 5s free. Family tickets are £18.