Bluebird K7 returns to Coniston Water next month for a week-long festival marking the 70th anniversary of Donald Campbell’s first world water speed record on the lake. The event runs from Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May 2026, with the jet hydroplane set to reach speeds of up to 150mph on the same stretch of water where Campbell first broke the record in 1956.
Ken Warby’s son Beau Warby will pilot K7, while Malcolm Campbell’s Blue Bird K3 has also been confirmed for the festival, and is capable of running in conditions that would ground K7.
Bluebird K7 Festival – Key Facts
Dates: 11-17 May 2026
Venue: The Boating Centre, Lake Road, Coniston, LA21 8AN
Operating hours: 10am – 5pm daily
Admission: See event website for ticket details
What You Will See
K7 will run north to south and south to north in a full two-way pass. She begins to plane at around 60-70mph and will reach a maximum of 150mph – well within the capability of an aircraft engine in what is, at its core, a boat designed to go very fast in a straight line across flat water. The organisers have been granted an exemption from the 10mph lake speed limit to allow the runs to take place.
The course starts opposite the Boating Centre, roughly in the middle of the lake, and finishes opposite the Priestley Centre. Spectators south of that point – at Sunny Bank, Brown Howe, or beyond – will not see any running. The eastern shore of the lake is closed to through traffic to maintain an emergency Blue Route, and a tow-away zone will be in force on that side.
After each run, K7 must be towed back to shore for refuelling and a checks. Allow 30-40 minutes between the announcement of an imminent run and the boat hitting the water. Announcements will be made over the tannoy and on social media.
Timetable
There is no fixed daily schedule. All running is weather-dependent; the organisers aim to run every day in suitable conditions but Coniston Water can change quickly and safety takes precedence. When running is possible, the event operates between 10am and 5pm.
Getting There and Parking
The event is based at The Boating Centre, Lake Road, Coniston, LA21 8AN. Onsite parking is available in the car park adjacent to the event site at £25 per car per day, or £10 per motorbike per day. Weekly passes are available at a reduced rate. Car parks open at 9am and close at 6pm; there is no overnight parking facility.
Park and Ride has been suspended until onsite car parks reach capacity. Anyone who has already purchased a Park and Ride ticket retains their space; specific car park allocations will be confirmed closer to the event by email.
A shuttle bus will run throughout the day between the lake and Coniston village. It operates as a hop-on, hop-off service and day tickets must be pre-booked. Booking details will be announced on the event’s website and social media.
Public buses serve the area; check Stagecoach’s website for timetables. Taxis are limited in Coniston – if you need one after the evening talks, look to operators in Ambleside or Windermere.
Viewing Areas
The course ends opposite the Priestley Centre. Viewing from Sunny Bank, Brown Howe, or anywhere further south is not possible. The east side of the lake is restricted to residents and businesses only and a tow-away zone will be enforced.
Evening Talks
A series of evening talks will be held at The Coniston Institute across the week. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start, finishing at approximately 10pm. Capacity is limited and the organisers recommend booking in advance rather than expecting tickets on the door.
Tickets can be booked at bluebirdk7thefestival.co.uk/shop. An emailed order confirmation serves as your ticket; bring it on the night. Dogs are not permitted at the evening talks. The Bluebird car park (fee payable) is adjacent to the Institute. No public buses run after the talks finish.
On the Water
A regular passenger launch will run from the Boating Centre to Brantwood during the festival; tickets will be pre-bookable. The Gondola is expected to be running – check its website for times.
Noise and Dogs
K7 is powered by a jet engine. The noise is considerable and the organisers advise ear defenders for anyone sensitive to loud sounds. Dogs are permitted at the lakeside event but may find the environment difficult. They are not allowed at the evening talks.
K7’s Current Status
K7 is currently in the workshop at St Athan in Wales, where her engine and systems are being refitted after a structural inspection that has been underway since November 2025. The organisers have not yet confirmed a date for her return to the museum following the festival.
More Information
Bluebird K7 Festival – Official Information
Parking bookings, shuttle bus pre-booking, and the latest updates on running schedules are available on the official festival website.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
