Cholmondeley fireworks spectacular

Jul 15 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

ORGANISERS at Cholmondeley Castle are combining two major events on the estate to create the largest new festival in the North West.

The award-winning annual fireworks concert, held at the castle for 18 years, is on Saturday evening.

It will form part of the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, now in its second year.

It means that the whole weekend will be bustling with spectacular sights and sounds.

The Last Night of the Proms-style concert has long been a big part of the Cheshire calendar with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra and conductor Tim Redmond creating an amazing atmosphere, helped with fireworks and special effects from the castle ramparts.

Event director James Hall says: “Now that we’re holding the fireworks concert on the Saturday evening of the Pageant of Power, the whole weekend will take on the atmosphere of a festival.

“With all the military activity that will be taking place at the pageant, the Cholmondeley family decided the concert should take on the characteristics of a tattoo.

“Tanks, artillery and helicopters will be displaying during the day and in the evening we will have marching bands, pipes and drums, last post, a piper on the castle roof and cannon fire accompanying the 1812 Overture.”

The organisers have joined forces with the Army Benevolent Fund, the event’s chosen charity.

For tickets from £13.50 call 01829 772430 or visit the websites www.pageantofpower.com or www.cholmondeleyfireworks.com.