FAQ's

What is the Pageant of Power?

Established since 2008 the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is now building momentum as the must do event of the year in the North West.  For a wonderful family treat where there is something for everyone. The Pageant of Power is a cornucopia of thrills and entertainment for all age groups.
Taking place in the beautiful grounds of Cholmondeley Castle the Pageant combines speed, nerve and flair with exceptional design and engineering.  Since 2007 it has been the aim of the Pageant of Power to showcase the best of historic and contemporary automotive power, whether on Land, Sea or in the Air.  
Central to the action at the is the 3 mile track within the Park grounds of Cholmondeley Castle where over 120 cars and bikes compete, spanning seven decades of motorsports.  
On the 25 acre Deer Park Mere, the Pageant hosts the largest gathering of inshore racing power boats in the UK, World Champion Jet Ski Demonstrations and Rib rides are also on offer!   
In the air, over 150 privateers fly in to Cholmondeley over the weekend as well as a Spitfire Fly Past, Breitling Red Bull Air Display, Tri Services Aerial Agility Competition and the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team drop by.
Shopping is a must in the extensive Trade village with additional �Lifestyle Pavilion� for those who appreciate the finer things in life
A wonderful offering of food is available for all tastes from a broad range of food retailers chosen especially to cater for eclectic mix of ages and preferences.  If you are in need of drink, then sample what is on offer in the "Pageant" pub which has some of the best locally brewed beers, as well as wines, soft drinks and cocktails. Take time out to relax and enjoy a glass or two of bubbly, sample the canap�s, and enjoy a punet of locally grown strawberries and cream.
Children�s entertainment includes a Vintage fun fair, Scaletric�s, Mini Motorbike, fully functioning Miniature Grand Prix Circuit, Go Kart rides and Radio Race Cars as well as competitions and other activities.
Whilst for the adults there is a wonderful pageant of power incorporating historic cars and racing cars, historic sports and racing motorbikes, classic speed boats and power boats, super cars and concept cars and helicopters.

What is the Cholmondeley Fireworks concert?

The Cholmondeley Fireworks Concert has been a long standing highlight of the Cheshire social Calendar since 1989.  The decision to combine it with the Pageant of Power as the Saturday evening entertainment has proved hugely popular and further fuelled the public�s enthusiasm for this exciting event.
The Concert provides a wonderful conclusion to the opening day of the Pageant of Power as well as a fantastic evening of entertainment for those who simply enjoy the exceptional setting, spectacular fireworks and emotive music which all contribute to the �Last Night of the Proms� atmosphere.
Last year�s Military Tattoo theme proved so popular that we plan to repeat it for 2010 and expand on 2009 in which Manchester Camerata Orchestra performed pieces from Ride of the Valkyries (Wagner), 633 Squadron (Ron Goodwin), Star Wars (John Williams) and Dambusters (Eric Coates).  Also performing were Military Marching Bands, Pipers on the Castle Roof, Pipes and Drums and perhaps the highlight � real cannon fire accompanying Tchaikovsky�s 1812 Overture.
We suggest you bring rugs, chairs and a picnic or buy on site, alternatively Hampers can be pre-ordered from the Cholmondeley Farm Shop (01829 720201).   
Enjoy sitting on the Castle Lawn, sing along to all your favourite sea shanty�s including Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory and soak up the electric atmosphere.  
Gates to the Castle Lawns open at 1600 allowing plenty of time to find a good spot from where to watch.  
The Concert begins at 1830 with a military marching band.  The Manchester Camerata Orchestra take to the stage at 2000, the concert ends at approximately 2245.

Where is the Pageant of Power/ Cholmondeley Fireworks Concert/best way to get here?

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power takes place at Cholmondeley Castle (postcode for Sat Nav is SY14 8AH) (view on map), which is situated on the A49, the main North-South route from Warrington to Shrewsbury.  There are excellent links to the motorway network.
Travelling South on the M6, take the Chester M56 at junction 9 and then A49 South at junction 10.  
Travelling North from Birmingham on the M6, take the M54 to junction 3 and then A41 North to Whitchurch.  

How can I buy a ticket?

Tickets can be brought online via the website by clicking here.

Where can I upgrade my ticket on the day/How much does it cost?

�Tickets can be upgraded at the various information huts located around the site.  
�Upgrading from a Park ticket to a Paddock ticket will be an additional �10.00 per  adult
�Anyone wishing to stay for the Fireworks concert will need to upgrade at the RRP of  �25.00 per adult/�10.00 per child.

What different tickets are available?

Park: Park tickets allow you access to the entire site apart from the Paddock area.  Within the Park area you have wonderful views of the track from a wide variety of vantage points, access to Deer Park Mere, the Trade Village and Lifestyle Pavilion, Pageant Pub, Aviation field, JCB Arena, Army Arena, Food and Drink Festival, Landrover rally course, Sporting Bears Dream Rides plus much more.  The whole park is packed with activities/spectacles to keep all ticket holders entertained.

Paddock: Paddock ticket holders have additional access into this exclusive area of the Pageant of Power.  The  shedding for the track vehicles is here allowing the ticket holder access to all the Cars and Bikes competing throughout the weekend, as well as the ability to mingle and speak with entrants, mechanics and vehicle owners.  Also within the Paddock area is the premier view of the start line, the Concours d�Elegence, the �cricket pitch� displays which features a variety of the world�s most infamous Marques, exclusive Sponsors trading area, Corporate Hospitality and Paddock Bar and Cholmondeley Tea Room.

Fireworks: Firework tickets allow access to the Cholmondeley Fireworks Concert from 1600 on the Saturday.  This area can be accessed directly from both the Paddock and Park areas.  Both Park and Paddock ticket holders have the opportunity to purchase Fireworks tickets on the day from any of the Information Huts located around the site. 

Combination Tickets: It is possible to purchase a variety of combination tickets in advance which have significant saving than those purchased or upgraded on the day

Saturday/Sunday Combined: allows access to the Paddock on either Saturday or Sunday,plus the Fireworks Concert on Saturday evening.
Weekend Combined: allows access to the Paddock on both Saturday and Sunday, plus the Fireworks Concert on Saturday evening.
Weekend Paddock:  allows access to the Paddock on both Saturday and Sunday

Where can I stay?

Malpas Meadow Camping:  Malpas Meadow is located within Cholmondeley Castle Grounds and is a short walk from the Pageant of Power site entrance.  Malpas Meadow is a grass site and is suitable for Tents, Caravans and Motor Homes, facilities include: Toilets, Chemical disposal point, Mains water, Showers, Waste Bins, Food & Beverages and access to the Cholmondeley Farm Shop 100 yards walking distance.  There is no electrical hook up, although generators can be hired.

How much is camping?

Tents �15 per night/per Tent
Caravan/Motor Homes �20 per night/per Caravan

Which Gate/Car parks do I need to use

Red Gate (N) - General Public
Red Gate (S) - General Public
Red Gate (S) - Car & Bike Clubs


Orange Gate - VIP's, Entrants
Purple Gate - Fireworks Concert General Public
Malpas Meadow - Camping

Entrance Gates and Car Parks are colour co-ordinated as well as being marked on the site map.  When accessing the event please follow the signs to the Gate shown on your Car Pass.

What disabled facilities are there?

Disabled Access is available to within 200 yards of the site for vehicles displaying a registered disabled badge. There will be suitable toilet facilities available. Please note that the site is a rough, mown field, which may create some difficulties for wheelchair users.

What to wear?

The Pageant of Power is a grass site and British weather is unpredictable so it is advisable to bring comfortable/waterproof footwear and warm/waterproof clothing should the need for it arise.

What is the difference between Saturday and Sunday?

Friday is arrival day; the site begins to come to life.  The White Field is open for camping and the Pageant Pub is open for those who want to soak up the pre Pageant atmosphere and sample some delicious pub grub.

Saturday; both days on the track are similar, the entrants compete in 3 timed runs to achieve either fasted time or best regularity in their class.  On the Mere competition starts with the Thunder Cat National Championships, whilst in the Air the 1st stage of the Tri-Services Aerial Agility competition begins, each discipline continues with a variety of competition throughout the weekend.  The Cholmondeley Fireworks Concert takes place in the evening making a fantastic end to the 1st day of the Pageant of Power.

Sunday; is official competition day on the Track...with each entrant competing in 3 timed runs to achieve either fasted time or best regularity in their class.  The various disciplines competing over the weekend culminate their championships on Sunday with the winners being announced and prize giving taking place on Sunday afternoon.

Are there restrictions on access to the Paddock?

All Paddock ticket holders will need to put on their wristband before entering the Paddock.  Wristbands are allocated on entrance to the site.

Do I need a programme?

The Programme contains essential information which will help you to make the most of your time at the Pageant of Power, including a Site Map, Time table of events, Entrants and Classes.  It contains a wealth of information and articles designed to give a insight to the passion and technical expertise behind the vehicles on display and the organisation needed to bring a spectacle like the Pageant of Power together, as well as providing a lovely souvenir of your day.

What else is there to do other than watch the track?

There is a huge variety of things to see and do, Power Boats including Thunder Cats, Formula 1 and 2 will be competing on Deer Park Mere alongside Jet Ski stunt displays and Rib rides for the public.  The Heli Pad is active all weekend with 100�s of privateers flying in, the Tri-Services Aerial Agility Competition and the Breitling Aerobatic display team will be performing on both days.  The JCB arena will be home to the JCB Dancing Diggers as well as a host of other activities to entertain all the family including Kiddie Quads, Human Table Football, Scalectrix, the fun fair and much much more.

Can I bring my dog?

Sadly dogs/animals are not allowed under any circumstances on to the site, with the exception of registered guide dogs.

Is there a children�s play area?

Yes we do have a play area with swings, wobbly bridge and see saw etc , next to Deer Park Mere as well as the Children�s Activity Area next to the JCB Arena.

Where can I eat?

There are a wide range of food/drink stands located around the site, including the Cholmondeley Tea Room serving fresh Coffee and Cakes all day, the Pageant Pub is located just inside the Trade Area and offers a variety of refreshments including wholesome and hearty food which can be washed down with a pint of real ale. 

How can I entertain my clients at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power?

We have a two corporate hospitality packages available, but are able to cater for private parties as well as those who might like a more tailored experience, please click here for more details

How do I cross the track?

There are various crossing points along the track, manned by BARC Marshalls in orange overalls.  These are expected to be opened every 20mins as long as it is safe to do so.
Bailey Bridge is open at all times and is clearly marked on the site map.  Bailey Bridge provides access to the Paddock, Park and Deer Park Mere.Where is lost property?

Lost property will be handed in to the Information Hut located just between The Pageant Pub and Bailey Bridge.

Where can I find information huts points?

Information Huts are clearly marked on the site map.

Where can I buy CPOP merchandise?

Official Cholmondeley Pageant of Power merchandise is only available from the CPOP Merchandise stand situated in the Trade Area or from the CPOP website.

How do I enter a vehicle?

If you would like to enter a vehicle please email [email protected]  or contact the office on 01829772432.  All applicants will go before the Select Committee and need to be submitted by the early 2010.

Can I fly in?

Please go to http://www.aircovers.com/  to register your interest.  From January 2010 Aviation Packs will be available from Air Covers providing flight coordinates and all the necessary information required to fly in.

What are the Seating arrangements and facilities at the Fireworks Concert?

There is limited seating, so bring a rug, cushion or folding chair. Be prepared for rain, as there is no shelter and the concert will take place rain or shine. Much of the concert takes place in the dark. And while the arena and car parks are lit, we suggest you bring a torch to help you find your way. No bar-b-ques or private caterers are permitted. No areas may be roped or fenced off. Gazebos and other tented structures are strictly prohibited.