Bluebird and Gloriana back at boat festival

SIR Malcolm Campbell’s 130mph world record-breaking speedboat, the Bluebird K3, will again attempt its first public outing under its own power at this year’s Thames Traditional Boat Festival at Henley over the weekend of July 15 to 17.

Last year’s festival was a great success, with more than 10,000 visitors and Bluebird’s attempt drew huge crowds to the bank in anticipation.

Unfortunately, there was a small engine bay fire that halted the run, so better luck to the Bluebird this year!

More than 180 traditional boats of all sorts and sizes will participate — from Three Men in a Boat-style Thames rowing skiffs and punts, Venetian gondolas to slipper launches and a fleet of more than 20 Dunkirk Little Ships, including a return visit from Second World War torpedo boat, the MTB 102.

The very popular Queen’s row barge Gloriana will also pay a return visit, allowing the public to get close up and see her rowed each day.



This year there will be two historic passenger steamers providing trips for visitors - the 1883 Alaska and Windsor Belle.

Catering will include the return of the very popular Golden Ball pop-up pub, the Time for Tea vintage tearooms, Daisy’s vintage ice cream and plenty of other unusual food and drink emporiums.

Or simply bring a picnic to enjoy on the riverbank.