Show of power at castle

Jul 11 2008 Chester Chronicle

HELICOPTERS, including a Huey Cobra gunship, will fly into Cholmondeley Castle on August 9-10 in one of the largest displays of its kind.

The first Cholmondeley Pageant of Power features powerboat racing on the 25-acre mere and more than 130 historic or significant cars and motorbikes competing on a new course in the grounds.

There will also be stunt flying – with the intrepid pilot spinning his machine just inches from the ground in a manoeuvre called “grass-cutting” – aerial bombing competitions and a slalom-style competition pitching the military against their civilian rivals.

Visitors will be able to enter a competition for a helicopter ride with all proceeds going to the Air Ambulance charity. On the ground will be a feast of machinery for the keen enthusiast and those with a casual interest.

“Pretty much any helicopter you’ve seen in the movies will be flying into Cholmondeley,” said the flight organiser, John Pattinson.

“We have three Eurocopters representing the latest technology from the largest manufacturer in the world; a Squirrel of the type that every military pilot in the UK trains on; and the evocative Bell 412, successor of the Huey.”

In addition to the air and track activities there will be a trade village with attractions for all the family – picnics, jazz bands, food and champagne tents, shopping, crafts and a fun fair.

Tickets are £25 per day for adults – children under 16 go free, or £40 per adult for a weekend ticket. The ticket hotline number is 01264 882200 or buy on-line at www.pageantofpower.com