Legendary bands and tribute groups will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Donald Campbell’s first World Water Speed record on Coniston Water in a series of concerts in the village on 15 – 17 May.
The festival will see Donald Campbell’s hydroplane Bluebird K7 back on the water for the first time since his fatal crash in 1967.
The headline act for 15th May is living rock legend Suzi Quatro. The singer, bassist, actress, author and radio host was born in Detroit in 1950. With her distinctive blend of leather, bass, and unbridled energy, she became one of the first women not just to participate in rock music, but to shape it.
The supporting act will be FABBAGIRLS. This world leading ABBA tribute band have performed in over 38 countries. They have worked with icons including Queen, Sting, Lionel Richie and The Who.
Susie Webb and Zoe Nicholas, who front the band, said: “FABBAGIRLS are so excited to become part of Bluebird K7’s history. We can’t wait to see her ‘Voyage’ across Coniston Water. Donald Campbell is a legend in our world. ‘Thank You For The Bluebird’ and the chance to share our Music!”
The Bootleg Beatles will be the headline act on the 16 May. They have been performing note-perfect renditions of the Fab Four’s outstanding repertoire since 1980.
The Bootleg Beatles said: “We are hugely honoured to be taking part in the K7 festival this year, bringing back memories of the 60’s when Bluebird and the Beatles were constantly breaking their own records, each having a massive impact on the culture of the day. We can’t wait to be part of the celebrations.”
The Counterfeit Stones will be the support act. They are a skilfully mixed cocktail of classic hits, retro costume and humour which intoxicates young and old alike.
Nick Dagger, lead singer of The Counterfeit Stones said: “What an honour! To be invited to play a festival celebrating the rebirth of K7, ranks highly in our compendium of legendary gigs.”
Art pop icons 10cc are the headline act on the 17 May. A sell-out UK tour in March and a Royal Albert Hall concert in July that sold-out seven months in advance frame the band’s performance at Bluebird K7 – The Festival.
Graham Gouldman, who fronts 10cc, said: “People of a certain age were captivated in their youth by the daring exploits of Donald Campbell and Bluebird’s breaking of several world water-speed records on Coniston, and so it is an honour to be performing as part of a festival celebrating his achievements and the work being done today. We very much look forward to visiting the Ruskin Museum and playing a part in Bluebird’s reincarnation.”
SWEET are a National Treasure, and the night’s supporting act. British at the core and a Rock Music Phenomena that has taken every continent by storm for more than five decades.
Between 1955 and 1964 Donald Campbell broke the outright World Water Speed Record on seven separate occasions in Bluebird K7, four of them on Coniston Water in Cumbria.
The concert ticket costs are:
Friday – £60 per person
Saturday – £50 per person
Sunday – £50 per Person
Or a full weekend package for all 3 nights – £140 per person
Approximate Schedule
(Times subject to change)
Friday 15 May
17:00 – Doors
19:00 – FABBAGIRLS (60 minutes)
20:00 – Changeover (30 minutes)
20:30 – Suzi Quatro (90 minutes)
Saturday 16 May
17:00 – Doors
19:00 – The Counterfeit Stones (60 minutes)
20:00 – Changeover (30 minutes)
20:30 – Bootleg Beatles (90 minutes)
Sunday 17 May
17:00 – Doors
19:00 – SWEET (60 minutes)
20:00 – Changeover (30 minutes)
20:30 – 10cc (75 minutes)
