Rock bands and tribute acts will headline the 70th anniversary celebrations of Donald Campbell’s first World Water Speed Record on Coniston Water, with three nights of concerts in the village from 15-17 May 2026.
The music coincides with the return of Campbell’s record-breaking hydroplane, Bluebird K7, to Coniston for the first time since his fatal accident in 1967.
American rocker Suzi Quatro tops the bill on Friday 15 May, supported by ABBA tribute act FABBAGIRLS. Saturday sees The Bootleg Beatles headline, with The Counterfeit Stones in support. Art-pop icons 10cc close the festival on Sunday 17 May, joined by glam rock veterans SWEET.
Graham Gouldman of 10cc said it was ‘an honour’ to perform at a festival celebrating Campbell’s achievements and Bluebird’s legacy, adding that the band looked forward to visiting the Ruskin Museum during the weekend.
Between 1955 and 1964, Campbell set the outright World Water Speed Record seven times in Bluebird K7, four of them on Coniston Water.
Tickets cost £60 for Friday, £50 for Saturday or Sunday, or £140 for a three-night weekend pass.
Purchase tickets here.
