CHOLMONDELEY PAGEANT SET FOR BREATHTAKING MILITARY ACTION

British Army to wow Pageant crowds with the only public demonstration of military combat power in the UK

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, the UK’s biggest celebration of power and speed, will once again offer the British public a unique chance to witness the might and majesty of the nation’s Armed Forces.

The British Army and Royal Air Force (RAF) will come together to amaze Pageant crowds with the country’s only public demonstration of military combat power.  The event takes place on the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire, from 15 to 17 July, 2011 (www.cpop.co.uk).

In total, 6 units of the British Army will attend the Pageant, including two from the Territorial Army – 4th Mercian from Central England, and 3rd Mercian from Staffordshire – and the 75th Engineer Regiment from the North West of England.  In addition, Defence Helicopter Flying School helicopters, including Squirrel, Griffon, and Chinook from RAF Shawbury, North Shropshire, will be present.  They will be joined by a Sea King Search & Rescue helicopter from RAF Valley, Anglesey.

With the eclectic mix of modern and classic cars providing the firepower on the famed Cholmondeley track, the Army and RAF will be using the estate grounds and airspace to similarly dramatic effect by conducting a combat power assault on a manned “enemy” position – situated directly in front of the watching crowds.  Helicopters will swoop low over the area to scout out the target from above, while infantry and armoured vehicles will be deployed on the ground. 

As well as this breathtaking display of military power, the Pageant will also afford spectators the opportunity to get a look at numerous military assets in a static exhibition.  These will include a Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank, a Warrior Armoured Vehicle, a Titan Launcher Bridge, and a Trojan Mine Clearance Armoured Vehicle.

James Hall, Event Director at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, commented, “The military displays have always been immensely popular with Pageant crowds, so we’re delighted to welcome the participants back in 2011.  We feel extremely privileged that the British Army has chosen the Pageant as the venue for its only public demonstration of military combat power in the UK this year.  While the displays are great fun for the crowds to watch, the military action will also serve as a reminder of the dedication and bravery of the country’s Armed Forces and we’ll be encouraging spectators to give generously to three military charities.” 

Combat Stress, Remount, and the Mercian Benevolent Fund (MBF) will benefit from the generosity of Pageant attendees this year, following the £75,000 raised for Help for Heroes in 2010.  Combat Stress aids servicemen and women affected both mentally and physically by war, Remount provides a springboard for Armed Forces personnel as they return to civilian life, while MBF is the official charity of the Mercian Regiment.

As well as the combat power demonstration and military vehicles on display, the Army will provide other activities for children and families at the Pageant, with paintballing, an inflatable assault course, a climbing tower and camouflage face-painting available for children of all ages.  The Army will also be putting on a Military Tattoo in support of Saturday evening’s spectacular firework concert, with music provided by the band from the fourth Battalion of the Mercian Regiment and the Pipes and Drums of 103^rd Regiment Royal Artillery.

The Pageant is located in the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire, and was created to celebrate power and performance in its many forms.  Winning the Best Tourist Event in Cheshire, and drawing in more than 50,000 visitors in 2010, the Pageant of Power has fast gained a reputation that makes early booking essential.  Ticket booking details and further event information can be found at www.cpop.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01829 772 432.