Bentley Motors has been announced as a Founder Sponsor of the inaugural Cholmondeley Pageant of Speed.  The company will have the “Blower” Le Mans team car on display, alongside the latest models: the 2009 model: Continental Flying Spur and Flying Spur Speed. The Pageant of Power takes place on August 9th and 10th.

“We are delighted to get involved in this unique event from the off – and we hope to be part of the Pageant for years to come,” said Robin Peel, Bentley Motors’ Head of Marketing. “The Pageant is distinctive, of the highest quality and very English – a bit like Bentley in fact.” The initial sponsorship agreement is for three years.

More than 120 historic sports and racing cars and motorcycles will compete on the newly created, RAC/MSA approved, 1.2 mile course. In addition there will be power boats racing on the lake and one of the UK’s largest collections of private and military helicopters flying in.

The event has been described by the Event Director James Hall as “a rather noisy garden party.” In addition to the mechanical events on and off the track there will be more traditional elements of bars and restaurants and shops of all kinds.

“It is really terrific to have attracted a name like Bentley as our first Founder Sponsor,” continued James Hall. “The Pageant of Power is, we believe, destined to become one of the events of the Cheshire Season and, in time a celebration of cars, boats and planes that will attract national and international competitors and spectators. We really could not have got off to a better start with a wonderful entry and now a wonderful sponsor.”

The event will feature 40 racing bikes and 80 sports cars – vintage, classic and modern day, competing on the new circuit.  In addition there will be motorbikes and vintage cars on display in the grounds.

Inshore powerboat racing will take place on the 25 acre mere and helicopters will be flying in and displayed including the famous MASH bubble cabin helicopter and the original Army helicopter, the Skeeter made from canvas and wood.

There will be a trade village with attractions for all the family - picnics, jazz bands, food and champagne tents, shopping, crafts and a funfair.

Advance tickets are £25 per day for Adults – children under 16 go free, or £40 per adult for a weekend ticket. Ticket Hotline number is 01264 882200 or buy on-line at pageantofpower.com