Events in the show are free and the Honda ride out is free to take part, but some other events require funding by those taking part.

Rugby fans will find live broadcasts on the big TV screen on the Chinese stand in the show of the England v South Africa (Friday 14th), Ireland v Georgia (Saturday 15th), Wales v Japan (Thursday 20th) and France v Ireland on Friday 21st. The matches will start at 21.00 and entry to the showground after hours will be strictly controlled and by exhibitor pass only. The food and drinks stands around the Chinese stand will be open and entry for this feature is free, but you have to buy your own food and drinks.

Wine tasting. On Sunday 16th there’s a wine tasting & BBQ at Wickham Vineyard. At a cost of £45.00 a head, coaches will collect everyone from the show at 19.30. Your £45 gets you the BBQ, a wine talk and tasting session and free coach service from and back to Mayflower Park at 23.30. The £45.00 per head fee is payable in advance, by September 5.

Kart racing team challenge. On Monday 17th there will be a team event at Eastleigh running from 19.00 to 23.00. The team running the most laps in the time will be the winner and prizes will go to the top three teams. The minimum number of drivers is four and the maximum eight. Teams have to get themselves to and from the Eastleigh venue and the cost is £200 per team, payable in advance by September 5.

The Honda Ride Out for motorcyclists is set to leave the Holiday Inn at 18.30 on Tuesday 18th. The object is to take a leisurely ride out to a pub in the New Forest for a meal, then a leisurely ride back. You can bring and ride your own bike, or take advantage of Honda’s generosity and ride one of the 15 bikes the company is to provide free of charge. Proof of being a current rider is required and everyone riding a Honda supplied bike will need full leathers; Honda has some gear available if needed. Those currently down to ride include Andy Williams, Peter Nash, Andy Sims, John Goode, Jim Boulton, Julian Gowing and John Selman.

Art Lovers can take the Art Vaults – Season Three trip on Wednesday 19th. At £10 a head for a gentle three hour stroll (19.30 to 22.30), art lovers get a unique opportunity to experience this interactive guided tour of medieval locations used as exhibition spaces for contemporary visual arts. This will be a private guided tour of old parts of Southampton with a curator and historian stopping at local public houses along the way. Numbers are limited, so you are advised to book early. Full payment required by September 5.

There are TWO events on Thursday 20th.

The first is an evening at the famous Jungleurs Comedy Club. Doors open 19.00, last entry 20.00, show starts 20.30. Enjoy an evening of laughter at this renowned comedy club. A meal is included; choose from any of the £5.95 basket meals. The evening will cost you £10.00 a head, including the meal.
NOTE: Anyone attending must be over 18 - and you are lucky enough to look too young, you will require ID in the form of a passport or driving licence. Expect an interesting evening…

Thursday’s SECOND event is the live screening of the Wales v Japan match – free on the Chinese stand in the show, but buy your own food and drink. The match starts at 21.00.

NOTE: the rugby matches are weather dependent and won’t be broadcast if it’s raining.

PAYMENTS: all payments to be made to Assorti Ltd, which is the company organising all these events for us.

BOOKING: Contact Andrea at Assorti Ltd to book or receive more information about each event. Call her on 01753 705007 or email sbs@assorti.co.uk

PASSES: You will only be able to access the SBS showground after hours by producing your SBS exhibitor pass. No pass; no entry.

And well done Andrew Williams of NBS for coming up with all this – give it some support and enjoy yourself. But book early to avoid disappointment.