Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2011 review

The rain may have soaked the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, but it didn't dampen the mood as thousands of spectators flocked to the North Shropshire border for the annual Pageant of Power.

It was estimated that more than £500 million worth of supercars, classic cars, motorbikes, aeroplanes and military vehicles were on show at the event, which opened its doors over three days for the first time.

• See more pictures in the gallery to your right

And whilst the main attraction was the 1.2 mile race circuit, around which cars and bikes of all categories and eras completed timed laps across the weekend, it was the military demonstrations which really stole the show.

Over the lunchtime period, troops took part in a combat power display in which the 'enemy' were positioned directly in front of the crowds so that the full power of the British Army could be experienced.

Smoke bombs, tanks and explosives were all used to demonstrate the fighting tactics used in Afghanistan against enemy troops.

And the infantry troops and armoured vehicles were ably assisted by the Defence Helicopter Flying School, based at RAF Shawbury, near Shrewsbury, who flew extra reinforcements into the midst of the action.

Also at the top of the watch list for spectators was stunt driver Terry Grant and his Nissan Juke.

Grant was attempting to complete the fastest lap of the Cholmondely circuit on two wheels - in a car.

Watching the Juke delicately navigate the lap, perfectly balanced on just two of its four wheels, was a bizarre, yet very impressive experience.

It was just a shame that Grant was ultimately unsuccessful in his attempt - with the corners proving too sharp and forcing him back onto all four tyres.

The 75,000 visitors were also treated to the sight of the beautiful Lindner Nocker Jaguar E-Type, restored in Bridgnorth, which won the award for best in show.

The car crashed at the Montlhery circuit in 1964 and was so badly damaged that a complete restoration was thought to be impossible.

Yet after more than 7,000 hours of work from Peter Neumark through his Classic Motor Car business CMC in Bridgnorth and using more than 90 per cent of the original parts, the Jaguar was back in perfect working order.

And it was fully deserving of its award - drawing plenty of 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the crowds around its display area.

But even this wasn't the most expensive car on show over the weekend - that accolade went to the Auto Union D-Type, a legendary 'Silver Arrow' Grand Prix car from 1938 that is said to be worth more than £9 million.

Much was also made of the 1907 Brutus from the Sinsheim Museum after the boys from Top Gear purred over its 46.5-litre engine on last week's show.

With a fuel economy level of just 0.18mpg, it doesn't bear thinking about how much petrol it guzzled as it ambled around the track, but it certainly wouldn't have made it into the show's Green Car Guide.

Here the latest environmentally-friendly cars were on display, including the electrically-powered Nissan Leaf NISMO RC, which was eerily silent as it whizzed around the track.

There has been talk that some of these cars may have to play a fake engine sound to warn people that they are coming, but even if you could hear this prototype racing car, you wouldn't have much chance of getting out of the way in time. . .

It wasn't just about the cars at the Pageant of Power either - there were also an array of motorbikes, powerboats and even aeroplanes on show.

More than 40 world-famous classic and modern motorcycles took on the Cholmondeley circuit including the fabulous 1977 factory Kawasaki KR750, ridden by British World Superbike ace Tom Sykes around the track.

There was also the scrambler course, which played host to a number of motorbike races including sidecars, classics and the over 58's races.

These chaps may have been advancing in years, but they hadn't lost any of their racing spirit - challenging each other around the tight corners and pulling off wheelies down the straights.

And equally brave were those taking part in the powerboat races - some of whose boats could reach speeds of over 120mph across the lake.

The most powerful of these boats could pull forces of 4G around the turns - the same as a drag racer.

And in the air, there were also impressive displays from the Breitling Wingwalkers, The Red Hawks, who made an impression with a graceful formation aerobatic routine and RAF Shawbury, who showed off the agility of their helicopters.

And Saturday's show was finished off with a full-strength military tattoo, accompanied by a lengthy fireworks display.

120 musicians took part in the concert, which helped to raise money for Combat Stress, Remount and the Mercian Benevolent Fund.

A spectacular end to a spectacular show. . .