BOAT show organisers are to appeal the city council's decision to cancel the events in Southampton a few hours before their official start.

British Marine, the organiser of Southampton International Boat Show, has confirmed it is appealing to the Secretary of State for Public Health and the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport about the decision made by Southampton City Council on Thursday night to cancel the show which was due to start this morning.

The organisers said to be seeking further clarification from the city council with regard to the reasons "for the late notice of decision".

As reported, the authority said the decision was "regrettable" but due to the increased spread of COVID-19 nationally it could not allow the events to take plane this month.

British Marine said it will now appeal the council's decision with a  view to understand the options available to recompense British Marine exhibitors and stakeholders.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “British Marine has done everything in its power to stage BOATS2020 and we followed all Southampton City Council’s stringent requirements.

"We are appealing the decision to seek further insight into the cancellation. I am disappointed and surprised on behalf of our exhibitors and show stakeholders, especially receiving the news so close to the opening.

"This not-for-profit boat show was all about supporting the leisure marine industry and the city of Southampton.”

British Marine also said it had been assured by Southampton City Council that BOATS2020 was "in complete compliance" with current UK Government guidelines as well as the new rules set to come into effect on Monday 14 September.

"However, despite this, it is understood that Southampton City Council’s last-minute decision to cancel the event was made after taking advice from their Director of Public Health and was due to the perceived risk of an increase in COVID-19 cases", said British Marine in a statement.

Last night Debbie Chase, director of public health at the city council, said the decision was taken  following a "concerning" rise in coronavirus cases across the country and "after detailed analysis of the public health risks".