Seaplane replica, the Waterbird, is set to dazzle spectators from Windermere this week.

Crafted as a near-perfect imitation of the UK's first ever seaplane, save for a modern engine, the Waterbird is partly composed of wire and bamboo making it susceptible to weather changes.

The aircraft was originally developed and tested on Windermere in 1911.

Displays are set to take place from Windermere on September 6 and 7 from 7pm.

Chair of Lakes Flying Company, Ian Gee, said: "The best way to be sure of what is happening is to monitor our website, www.waterbird.org.uk."

The Lakes Flying Company is behind the successful completion of the ten-year project to build and fly the replica Waterbird.

Building on a history of flying displays, this year will mark the third instance with the pilot's baton passing to Lt Cdr Chris Gotke AFC, a naval test pilot.

The pilot said: "Although the flights will be brief, they will be breath-taking

"It is an incredible privilege flying such an evocative early aeroplane.

"Edward Wakefield, who developed the original Waterbird, described flight from water as 'something that beckoned'.

”When asked if I would fly Waterbird, stepping back in time to the dawn of naval aviation on Windermere, I felt exactly the same - something beckoned."

In addition to the Waterbird, spectators can expect to witness a flying display from the Aviat Husky, a more modern-day seaplane showcasing the extensive progress in seaplane development since Waterbird's inaugural flight.

A special treat awaits enthusiasts at 5.45pm on Friday, September 6, as the the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster and the Navy Wings' Harvard will also fly through on the way to Ayr Airshow.

Guiding curious eyes to the skies, Mr Gee said: "This demonstration will take place further up the lake than the first flights, with viewing points at Brockhole on Windermere, framing the Waterbird against the magnificent Langdale Pikes.

“The Waterbird demonstrations will be brief but breath-taking. Please remember that this is a delicate, historic aeroplane, and that this is a demonstration of its remarkable capabilities, not an aerobatic flying display.”

During each sequence, Waterbird will take off from the water, fly at up to 100 feet in a straight line along the lake, then land on the water.

In previous flights of the replica Waterbird, in September 2022 and May 2023, the pilot was historic aeroplane expert Peter Kynsey.

For more information on the event, visit: https://www.waterbird.org.uk/wings-over-windermere-2024/.