POOLE Maritime Festival is for you - get on board and help spread the word.

That was the message from a launch of the spring 2017 event to businesses in Poole, who were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities on offer when tens of thousands of visitors are expected to converge on the town.

More than 80 people attended the sponsorship launch at the Kitchen in Poole Park.

"This event is unique and there is something for everybody," said Cllr Xena Dion, of the four day festival of the sea which includes a two day international conference attracting up to 1,500 delegates at Lighthouse on May 18 and 19.

The Princess Royal has been invited to open it and while discussions on the topic, which could be safety and security, will be held with the EU later this year, it will attract industry leaders, policy makers including ministers, EU Commissioners, MPs and MEPs, academics and scientists.

The "big bang" event will be the maritime festival, which aims to get people of all ages and communities engaged with maritime heritage and environment. Taking ideas from people across the county there will be six zones, aqua, kids, tech, food and drink, arts and go.

"We want this to be a celebration of all things we associate with our relationship with the sea, past, present and future for a really memorable two-day celebration," she said. A big part of this is getting people out on the water.

The three-day Poole Harbour Boat Show was introduced by Jim Stewart, who said the inaugural event this year attracted 15,000 people over two days and won both Poole and Dorset tourism awards.

"It was probably the biggest boat show beyond London and Southampton in its inaugural year. We would like to build on that," he said.

A trade fair will be held for businesses to show off their products and services.

"It will put the industry on the map. It will be of huge benefit to the people and businesses associated with the local maritime industry," said Sunseeker chief executive Phil Popham.

"Talk to us, come forward and we'll work with you to make it happen," said Cllr Dion.

Kate Ryan, Borough of Poole strategic director - place, said the event would be financed from EU, government, council and business sponsorship money and the conference was expected to cost around £300,000.

For more information call 01202 633353.

- DAILY ECHO