07/04/2026
I thought it would be a good idea to have a bit of a summary post as a few things have changed these past few weeks.
🔹 The Festival dates are - 11th - 17th May 2026
🔹The Location of the Event is - The Boating Centre, Lake Road, Coniston, LA21 8AN
🔹The “Festival” is the running of Bluebird K7 on Coniston Water - 2026 is the 70th Anniversary of Donald Campbell’s first World Water Speed Record on Coniston Water, and to celebrate that we are returning Bluebird K7 to Coniston Water.
🔹 We have an exemption to exceed the 10mph speed limit, and K7 will run at a maximum speed of 150mph. She starts to plane at around 60-70mph.
🔹The course starts opposite the Boating Centre (in the middle of the lake) and finishes opposite the Priestley Centre.
🔹When a run is imminent it will be announced over the Tannoy and on social media, K7 will then be towed out to the starting pontoon, and started.
This process will take approx 30-40mins, so there will be enough warning that a run is due.
🔹The full run will be north to south and south to north. She will then need to be refuelled and checked over, so she will be towed back to the shoreside.
🔹 We don’t have a timetable for running as all running is weather dependant, if we have good weather we will run every day, if possible, but the Lake can change in minutes and safety will always be our first priority.
🔹Blue Bird K3 will also be running and she can run in slightly worse water than K7.
🔹The operating hours of the event are 10am until 5pm
🔹 We have suspended Park and Ride sales until we fill the Onsite car parks.
🔹Onsite parking is available via the link below - the car park is next door to the event site and is £25 per car, per day or £10 per motorbike, per day.
There is a discount for a weekly pass. The car parks will open at 9am and close at 6pm - there is no facility for overnight parking.
https://bluebirdk7thefestival.co.uk/festival-news/
🔹There will be a regular shuttle bus running throughout the day between the lake and the village - this is a hop on hop off bus and the ticket is valid for the full day, this needs to be pre booked. Details of how to book will follow soon.
🔹We have a number of talks of the evening in The Coniston Institute, we only have a limited amount of spaces so if you want to attend we advise that you book now, as we can’t guarantee tickets will be available on the night. Ticket link below -
https://bluebirdk7thefestival.co.uk/shop/
🔹Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, finishing around 10pm.
🔹You will receive an emailed order confirmation once you have paid, this is your ticket. You will need to show this at the door on arrival.
🔹The Bluebird Car park (fee payable) is next door to The Coniston Institute.
🔹Dogs are not permitted in the evening talks.
🔹There will not be any public buses running at the end of these talks.
🔹 Taxis are very limited in Coniston, if you require a taxi you will need to look further afield to Ambleside or Windermere.
🔹Public Buses will be running as normal - please check Stagecoach’s website for their timetable.
🔹Although dogs are permitted at the event, please note that the jet engine is very noisy and it may not be the best environment for your dog.
🔹Ear defenders are advised if you are sensitive to loud noise.
🔹 There will be a regular launch running from the Boating Centre to Brantwood. Tickets are pre bookable and will be available soon.
🔹We believe Gondola will be running, but please check their website for the timetable.
🔹 The East Side of the Lake will closed to traffic (businesses and residents access only) - this is to maintain a “Blue Route” - an emergency access route around the lake. A Tow Away Zone will be in force.
🔹 You will not be able to see any running from Sunny Bank or Brown Howe or anywhere further south, the course ends opposite the Priestley Centre. Map of the viewing and restricted areas is attached
🔹Bluebird K7 is currently in the workshop at St Athan, everything is being serviced and checked over, her engine and systems are also being refitted. She has been out of the museum since November 2025 and has been structurally checked over to ensure she is safe for running. At the moment we don’t have a return date for her being back in the Museum, but as soon as we do it will be posted on here and on our websites.
🔹NO WHERE HAVE WE SAID THAT PARK AND RIDE IS CANCELLED.
Park & Ride sales have been postponed until the onsite parking is at capacity.
Anyone who has bought Park & Ride will still have a space - no one has been allocated a specific car park as yet, car parks will be allocated nearer the time, and details will be emailed out.
🔹We have advertising opportunities available, if any businesses would like to advertise on the large screen, with a banner or via our social media - please contact: [email protected] for more details.
