Five times Le Mans winner and motor racing hero Derek Bell will demonstrate the 2003 Le Mans winning Bentley Speed 8 at the inaugural Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, South Cheshire on August 9 and 10.

“The Speed 8 is a magnificent car and a worthy winner of Le Mans. I’m really looking forward to putting it through its paces on the track at Cholmondeley,” said Derek. “From what I hear it’s a real challenge – a bit like a rally special stage so I expect the Bentley will come into its own on the tight corners, one of which apparently goes over a brow between two giant oak trees!”

The Speed 8’s appearance is part of Bentley’s sponsorship of the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power which is expected to become a long-running partnership.

“The news that Derek Bell and the Bentley are coming to Cholmondeley is wonderful,” enthused event organiser James Hall. “The course is pretty quick in places so he’ll be able to open it up and give the crowds the opportunity to hear as well as see this fabulous racing car.”

The Pageant of Power will feature 40 bikes and 80 sports and racing cars; power boats racing on the 25 acre mere and one of the UK’s largest ever collections of helicopters – all in the historic grounds of Cholmondeley Castle.

“We are aiming for a rather noisy garden party atmosphere,” said James Hall. “We aim to make it a special weekend for everyone even if they are not particularly interested in the events on the track, on the mere or in the air. There are lots of shops, bars and restaurants – and Cholmondeley itself is wonderful destination in its own right. We expect the Pageant of Power to become an established event with wide appeal.”