Powerful displays at Cholmondeley pageant

Jul 16 2009 By Chester Chronicle

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power will turn the tranquil pastureland of Cheshire into a frenzy of activity this weekend.

This will be the event’s second year, but following the decision to combine it with the annual firework concert, it will have an even larger wow factor.

Last year, competitors and public alike adored the mix of high speed drama and the relaxed atmosphere and now the event is even bigger. With an impressive trade village and lifestyle pavilion, it will be an event for all the family.

The region has demonstrated an appetite for an event which combines speed, nerve and flair with exceptional design and engineering.

At the forefront of manufacturing design between the wars was Ettore Bugatti, whose Molsheim works were producing some of the best racing and touring cars.

Lord Cholmondeley’s grandparents were friends and loyal clients and so Bugatti is to be the featured marque. A selection of the most important Bugattis will be displayed on the Concours d’Elegance, including the rarely seen Royale, Brescia and the latest Bugatti Veyron.

These cars will be competing on the new Cholmondeley spring circuit against an eye-watering line-up from Le Mans and Formula 1, to Rally world champions.

On the adjoining water, powerboats will compete for the Breitling Trophy and no doubt there will be dramatic thrills and spills as these extraordinary boats carve around the mere.

The air displays are an event in themselves with RAF Falcons, Breitling Aerobatics, Spitfire fly-past, Tri-Services helicopter agility competition and even a flying car.

Back on the ground the military deployment will be immense. Headed by arguably the best tank in the world, the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank, there will be Warrior and Scimitar armoured vehicles, missile launchers, Trojan mine busting and Titan bridge laying tanks among many others. The event charity is the Army Benevolent Fund.

On top of all these attractions there will be no shortage of opportunities to get involved with simulators, rides, karting, wall climbing, trade stands, bars and refreshments.

On Saturday night attention will focus on the fireworks concert which, owing to the amount of hardware, will become a military tattoo, with a climax of four Royal Artillery field guns firing to accompany the 1812 Overture.

For tickets, call 01829 772433 or visit the website: www.pageantofpower.com.