BUSINESSES are ready to welcome visitors from 'all over the world' with the return of the Bluebird K7 to Coniston.

After years of negotiation, Bluebird K7 will return to Coniston to be displayed in the Ruskin Museum having been restored by Bill Smith and his team of volunteers based in Newcastle.

Crowds are expected to see the boat on its journey and villagers in Coniston will be out in force on Saturday, March 9.

The Black Bull waiter Helen Edgeler is hoping the event 'will put Coniston back on the map' and be a boost for the local economy.

"There will be a lot of people coming from all over the world," she said.

"We have got a full house on Saturday - all the rooms are full."

READ MORE: 'An emotional moment' - Bluebird K7 returns to Coniston this weekend

Anna Butler, business development manager at the Wilson Arms, says the event will be 'excellent' to help the economy and for tourism in the area.

They are expecting a full house of guests for the event.

She said: "We have had a quiet start to the year. People still come to enjoy the area but we are waiting to kick off the season with Bluebird coming home this weekend."

Kirstie Oldham, owner of The Coniston Foodhouse, has decorated the front of her shop with bunting and posters. On Friday she is making special blue and yellow cupcakes.

The Mail: Front of the shop welcoming Bluebird. Front of the shop welcoming Bluebird. (Image: Submitted)

She is planning to keep the cafe open 'until later' if Saturday turns out to be a busy day as most local establishments close at 4pm.

"Coniston has been very quiet recently this year in comparison to previous years so I'm hoping that it brings a lot of people in," she said.

Tracy Coward, chair of Coniston Parish Council said: "We are thrilled to see Bluebird come home. Bluebird is very much part of Coniston's history and now part of its future and it will hopefully support tourism and the economy. 

"Bluebird has international appeal and hopefully, it will attract visitors from across the country and across the world."

Welcoming the boat back to Coniston and her new home will be Gina Campbell, Donald Campbell’s daughter.