CHOLMONDELEY’S annual celebration of power and speed will take place in the stunning castle grounds from July 15-17 – and this year’s extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Extended to three days, it begins with a ‘preview day’, which will concentrate on track activities, allowing visitors to get a good look at the impressive international range of famous cars, racing drivers and motorcyclists as they take to the 1.2-mile sprint track for practice runs before the competitive race action begins on the Saturday.
Pageant director James Hall promises thrills and spills galore with exciting activities for all the family.
At the official launch on Tuesday, he said: “It’ll be fantastic and the local economy will really benefit.
“It’s not just for car lovers but for the whole family and we have some thrilling new developments this year.”
Car fanatics will see the 1959 Le Mans-winning Aston Martin competing alongside the Stovebolt Special, and the famous Lotus 18 driven to victory by Stirling Moss in the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix.
Bike fans can purr with pleasure over the iconic dream machines on show and powerboats will compete on the mere.
Throw in some spectacular aerobatics filling the skies and it will be a magnificent spectacle on land, water and in the air!
Neill Briggs of Briggs Automotive Co Ltd, whose brand new BAC Mono car will be premiered for the first time at the event, is ‘very proud’ to be supporting a local event.
“Everyone is so excited to be here and we are hoping to become a regular in order to support this fantastic event as much as possible,” he said.
Chester-based John Hughes, a motorbike racer since 1964 who has been going to the event for the past four years, said there was no better location than Cholmondeley for the show.
He said: “I think this year is shaping up to be absolutely fantastic. The attitude of the organisers is incredible, millions of pounds have gone into this and it’s going to be better than ever.
“The support it is getting is wonderful. It will bring more people to Cheshire.”
“I think they are well on their way to emulating the Goodwood Festival of Speed and it’s great that an event like this is coming to the North West. You couldn’t get a better location than Cholmondeley for something like this.”
