As the sun sets on day two of the Gold Coast International Marine Expo, the heart of the Gold Coast City Marina will be pumping to the beat of a live band as the Club Marine Shipyard Party gets underway.

The family event will feature live entertainment, the charity art auction from the Expo’s Artists’ Quarter, a selection of international cuisine and beverages, and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza at 7pm.

Gold Coast International Marine Expo spokesman Stephen Milne said the Saturday night Club Marine Shipyard Party was open to the public with free entry and family’s are encouraged to attend.

“The Club Marine Shipyard Party will be one of the major highlights of the 2012 Gold Coast International Marine Expo,” Mr Milne said.

“This fun-filled family event will be held right in the heart of the Expo site overlooking the Coomera River and we are expecting quite a crowd.”

The charity art auction will be held during the Club Marine Shipyard Party with proceeds going to Sailability, Paradise Kids and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Rescue Service.  The Expo also supports the Wasp Creek Rural Fire Service and the Rotary Club of Coomera River.

People will have the chance to view the nautical themed artworks prior to the auction and can watch the artists in action creating their art works as they put brush to canvas in the Expo’s Artists’ Quarter.

The not-for-profit expo will showcase the latest products and services from Australia’s leading marine manufacturers, from kayaks to superyachts, jet skis to jet packs and everything in between.

“This year’s expo is tipped to be bigger and more entertaining than last year with more than 40 new exhibitors and 20,000 people expected through the gates at this year’s expo,” he said.

“We have more than 200 leading marine brands on display and this is continuing to grow daily in the lead up to the Expo.

“These brands will be displayed over a 2.5 kilometre circuit and we will also have an impressive on-water display featuring 120 boats ranging in size from four feet to more than 100 feet.

“We have an exciting line-up of entertainment this year with the RAAF Roulettes performing an aerial acrobatics display at 12 noon each day above the Coomera River.  The Yamaha Supertank Travelling Fishing Show, the Jetlev Jetpack Flyer Australia, a Class 2 Offshore race boat display and there will be an opportunity to meet the drivers from the Queensland division of the Australian Power Boat Association.  The Expo’s Artists’ Quarter and the Little Pirates Kids’ Club will once again entertain the children with jumping castle and face painting, and there will also be a host of international food stalls and live entertainment.

The second annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo has also announced the Nine Network as official television media partner who will launch an exciting national viewer competition on the Today Show in the lead up to the Expo

The Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be held on November 2, 3 and 4 from 9am to 5pm with free entry and free parking.