There will be space afloat and ashore for exhibitors at very reasonable prices - the charge for boats afloat will be £300 (including cranage, etc), and for those ashore £250.

The show's capacity is around 100 new and used craft afloat and ashore and there will also be marquee accommodation and open air space for other exhibitors.

The Falkirk Wheel is already a very popular visitor attraction and has good facilities, including an excellent cafe, in its visitor centre.

Admission to the show will be free and it will certainly attract large numbers of people, many of whom will be first time buyers planning to start boating on the newly refurbished canal system.

Free talks on boat buying are part of the show programme.

However, the show is designed to serve all sectors of the trade, not just the embryo inland market.

Seagoing craft, including sailing craft, can be exhibited, as launching and mast stepping can easily be carried out at the show site, or nearby.

In mid May about half the boat spaces had been filled by the dozen or so companies that had by then signed up, so interested companies should contact British Waterways' Lowland Canals office as soon as possible on 01324 671217.

Ask for Ronnie Simpson, or e-mail him: Ronnie.Simpson@britishwaterways.co.uk