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Feel the need for speed?

Helen Clifton
16/ 7/2008

ONE of rural Cheshire’s most peaceful and romantic country estates will next month be transformed into a haven for those fascinated by the speed, power and skill of motor sports.

Following on from a century-old passion for sports cars, the Cholmondeley family have opened up the grounds of their Malpas home to host some of the world’s classic modern and vintage racing cars, powerboats and helicopters.

The first ever Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, to be held over the weekend of August 9 and 10, will feature 120 of the finest vehicles from every period of racing history, all competing on a newly constructed 1.2-mile course.

Visitors will be able to experience the thrill of seeing an incredible range of vintage cars – collectively valued in excess of £100 million – recreate some of the classic car races of the past century.

And if cars aren’t your thing, the Royal Yachting Association has organised a showcase of some of the world’s most impressive racing boats in the estate’s 25-acre Mere lake, including offshore machines never before seen on an inland location.

The skies above the Cholmondeley Castle will be filled with classic helicopters courtesy of the Helicopter Club of Great Britain, including the Skeeter, the first British Army helicopter, made, amazingly, from canvas and wood.

The Marquess of Cholmondeley said: "I believe that the Cholmondeley Pageant it truly going to be an exciting event for the region.

"It will be quite unique and Cholmondeley Park lends itself to the occasion with acres of sweeping parkland, avenues, drives and the Mere, all within the shadow of the castle."

The fifth Marquess and Marchioness owned an amazing line-up of iconic models, including cars by Alfa Romeo and Rolls Royce. In 1932, while driving his latest purchase, an Alfa Romeo 8C, back from Milan, the Marquess promptly entered the car in a race from Paris to Nice. It finished fifth.

The man behind the ambitious event is financier and motor sports enthusiast Peter Rickitt, who gained the backing of the Marquess.

He said: "I have long thought that there was an unfulfilled need for people in the Midlands and the North to have access to a high quality, motor sports-orientated occasion, especially as these regions have a significant cadre of enthusiasts and collectors."

As well as some of the classiest motor sports in the country, the Pageant of Power will boast a range of locally sourced food and drink, as well as a seafood and Champagne Pageant Bar in pole position for a perfect view over the action.

There will be plenty of opportunities to spend money at the 100-stand shopping village. Children will also be able to emulate their motor sports heroes with a giant Scalextric track and a vintage funfair, while the estate’s rare breeds zoo and beautiful Castle Gardens will be open to all visitors for the duration of the event.

And with under-16s getting in for absolutely nothing, there is no excuse not to bring along the whole family.

For ticket and venue information, go to www.pageantofpower.com or ring the ticket hotline on 01264 882 200. The closing date for booking tickets is Wednesday, August 6. Day tickets cost £25 in advance or £30 on the day, and advance weekend tickets cost £40. Children under 16 get in free.