SOME of the country’s most loved celebrities are to descend on the city this year as the 50th TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show starts on Friday. 

From ’80s pop pin-up Simon Le Bon to the nation’s most loved culinary duo The Hairy Bikers, the golden edition of the annual show promises to be the biggest yet.

Joining the Duran Duran frontman will be the likes of BAFTA award-winning wildlife expert Steve Backshall, wildlife TV presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff, CBeebies favourite Lizzie Daly and Gladiators favourite Diane Youdale, AKA Jet.

The show runs until September 23 and will see thousands of visitors take in stands, displays, entertainment and refreshments around Mayflower Park.

Steve said: “I am delighted to be able to share stories of some of my favourite adventures with visitors at TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show this year, all before I set off on my next expedition.

“I have been lucky enough to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most remarkable species, including creatures from the very deepest reaches of our seas.

“There’s always something new to discover and I can’t wait to discuss some of my experiences with visitors and answer their questions.”

Miranda added: “Our seas and oceans are extraordinary places and I enjoy nothing more than getting my wetsuit on and exploring the fascinating watery world beneath. I see first-hand the impact we can have on these wonderful and diverse habitats and wholeheartedly support any pledge to reduce human impact on them and protect them for generations to come.”

Steve is taking part in a live Q&A session about his adventures on Saturday.

Miranda will help open this year’s event on Friday.

Hitmaker Simon is set to officially start the event’s Sunseeker stand, which, as well its latest models, will feature an exhibition of its new environmental project.

He is a long-serving ambassador of The Blue Marine Foundation, which is working to stop overfishing and helping to create marine reserves.

Bringing together their love of good food, wealth of knowledge of classic recipes and Britain’s finest seafood, Hairy Bikers Si King and Dave Myers will curate the menu for the event’s premium waterfront restaurant, the Mariner’s Grill.

Visitors can catch the duo at the show on September 22 where they will serve an

exciting cooking demonstration of one of their exclusive dishes.

For the full line-up visit southamptonboatshow.com.