Donald Campbell’s legendary hydroplane, Bluebird K7, drew national attention at the 2025 Lady Mayor’s Show in London – broadcast live on BBC One to an estimated 20 million viewers.
The jet-powered record-breaker, which set seven World Water Speed Records between 1955 and 1964, appeared as part of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers entry, supported by the Worshipful Company of Carmen. Ahead of the parade, the Lady Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, welcomed Bluebird K7 to Mansion House before her admission at the Silent Ceremony.
On parade day, the famous hydroplane was accompanied by the Surbiton Royal British Legion Youth Marching Band, which performed the Bluebird K7 March – the third movement of the Bluebird K7 Suite for Orchestra, composed by Lt Col Craig Hallatt, Clerk of the Coachmakers. Behind the hydroplane, a 100-year-old D-type London bus from the Carmen carried members of the Campbell family and officials from the Ruskin Museum in Coniston.
Among those interviewed live on air was Don Wales, Donald Campbell’s nephew, who shared memories of his uncle’s remarkable achievements and the continuing efforts to preserve the Bluebird legacy.
The appearance marked a key milestone in the project to return Bluebird K7 to running condition. The Ruskin Museum confirmed plans to run the hydroplane again on Coniston Water in May 2026, supported by a range of partners and sponsors including Hothouse Media, Blick Rothenberg, Starboard Hotels, Babcock International, Lockton, The Inn Collection Group, HMG Paints and the Worshipful Companies of Coachmakers and Carmen.
