Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 13-15 June
Discussion
Yes, it's nice being able to walk around virtually everywhere. I think it's a little smaller this year for various reasons, but I did overhear that they're planning the pageant for at least the next five years. Weather wasn't so good today (was raining until about 8.30am) but it soon dried up and got warm, but without the bright sun of the rest of the weekend.
- nice 'bang' as you passed.
A selection of photos are here http://www.lawrencecliftphotography.co.uk/40081/in... and the video is currently rendering so I'll post a link when it's completed.
I have been going to "Chumly" for the past 7 years and will be giving it a miss for the next few years as I feel that it's gone stale with the majority of the cars being seen every year and there's only a handful of vantage points to photograph the cars on the circuit. It's a great event for the first timer but the car club and stall holder numbers were down this year as compared to previous years. They also need to look into their security as I heard of 2 instances of theft from tents.
I have been going to "Chumly" for the past 7 years and will be giving it a miss for the next few years as I feel that it's gone stale with the majority of the cars being seen every year and there's only a handful of vantage points to photograph the cars on the circuit. It's a great event for the first timer but the car club and stall holder numbers were down this year as compared to previous years. They also need to look into their security as I heard of 2 instances of theft from tents.
As promised, here's a short video clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVjOIDzvdMU
snapper8v said:
I have been going to "Chumly" for the past 7 years and will be giving it a miss for the next few years as I feel that it's gone stale with the majority of the cars being seen every year and there's only a handful of vantage points to photograph the cars on the circuit. It's a great event for the first timer but the car club and stall holder numbers were down this year as compared to previous years. They also need to look into their security as I heard of 2 instances of theft from tents.
That's a pity, but you're not the only one I've heard saying the same. I've been to every one, and I think I agree with you on the cars - as much as I can watch Chris Williams' aero-engined cars again and again, there needs to be some extra stuff as well. I hold back a bit on that, as a lot of the stuff that I don't really know much about changes quite regularly, but goes over my head. There were some security issues - someone stole the flags off our club stand, we got one back but the other (with the "DSG" lettering and nosecone logo on a white background) was not recovered. So if you see someone with our flag, we'd appreciate it back.[Unsubstantiated Rumour] I heard the trade stands were being charged quite a lot more this year, hence there were fewer of them, and those that were there charged more. [/UR] Car club displays were down because the cost increased there - normally Friday is free if you do Saturday or Sunday, this year it was £20, so the weekend went from £30 to £50 so a lot just didn't go, or at least didn't go on Friday.
I'll carry on going as long as they run it and don't make it stupidly expensive. Even after all the above, it's a nice show and (for me) it's very local - I don't think I'd be prepared to trek all the way down to Goodwood, and then pay a lot more for the weekend. Granted, GFoS is a lot bigger show, but it's a lot further away. I'm always surprised at how few people I know locally who are bit into cars don't bother going, and I wonder what they can do to change that.
I have suggested BTCC, BSB and even F1 teams along with their drivers/riders, but this was a couple of years ago and those type of teams seem to favour FoS. I did also suggest the hire of the Vulcan bomber for a display but was told that the fee (c£10k) would pay for ALL of the aircraft that displayed along with the insurance. I wonder how much Status Quo charged as there was only around 1,500 people watching and the Vulcan would easily attract more people to the show. Even event sponsor Bentely were inconspicuous this year, although this may have been due to the date clash with Le Mans?
The reason for my thoughts is that I'm accredited media and there's only a handful of places to get action shots from and readers get bored of seeing the same cars going over the same bridge. As I've stated, if it's your first time at the Pageant, then it's a great day, but gone are the days of the dancing JCB diggers and army displays which were great.
The reason for my thoughts is that I'm accredited media and there's only a handful of places to get action shots from and readers get bored of seeing the same cars going over the same bridge. As I've stated, if it's your first time at the Pageant, then it's a great day, but gone are the days of the dancing JCB diggers and army displays which were great.
Edited by snapper8v on Monday 16th June 11:25
snapper8v said:
I wonder how much Status Quo charged as there was only around 1,500 people watching
I wondered about the whole Status Quo thing. Friday was a weird day to have them on, and if it was intended to drag people into the show so they'll come next year, preview day was very quiet indeed, no time trials going on, mainly track cavalcades, no air display, so might have left a bad impression. I was told (but don't know for sure of course) that the cricket club bar closed early because if they'd stayed open they would have been obliged to hand over a portion of their 'take' to the band - not unusual, but usually the other way around (for example Wembley stadium used to take a portion of merchandise sales when bands played there). I suspected that maybe the band (or management, obviously) had a hand in the £20 charge for Friday that I mentioned, not trusting people to leave if they hadn't bought a ticket. CPOP organisers do trust us to leave before the fireworks and classical concert on Saturday if we haven't bought a ticket, that's why I don't think it was them, but it would have looked better on them if they'd just said "look, sorry about that, but it's forced upon us" if it's the case. I think perhaps they've managed to grab Status Quo and it's blinded them to other stuff.Although I'd effectively had to buy a ticket, I didn't go the gig. I actually wouldn't have minded seeing Quo, but on the club displays we have to get there for 8am (according to the ticket, though this never seems to be enforced, but will be if I'm ever late) and it made it a very long day without even being able to have a few pints as I'd have to drive home afterwards.
I don't know how these events work with regard to the cars on the track - whether the owners pay for the privilege, or get paid by CPOP, or somewhere in between. I expect if you're going to drag four aero-engined cars up from wherever they come from and stick them up the track every few hours, you're going to want some costs covering, given that Mavis does 0.5mpg when it's not pouring flames out of the exhausts. I know it's by invitation, so I wonder how they decide who to invite, and whether they get many declining. Again, rumour only, but I'd heard some rumblings of a falling-out with the VSCC a few years back, which won't help with the entry list.
I love the Vulcan as well, always a great show, but I wonder whether it would have dragged many people in. I saw it last year at Carfest, but I must admit that I wasn't in the event, I was parked in a lane nearby (with about a hundred other people) and got pretty much the same view. The air displays are great, but I don't think they should rely on them to get ticket sales up. Added bonus to the stuff in the venue, I think.
Patrick595 said:
droopsnoot said:
and I wonder what they can do to change that.
Free or minimal entry for exhibitors and club stands ?I'm happy to pay something at CPOP and shows like that, because I accept that we're not the whole show - if fact I think that many people that come in the top gate never even see the car club displays. The first two were completely free of charge for club displays, and it led to a small number of people forming instant "clubs", getting a stand and cramming it chock full of cars just to get the free entry - no attempt to make a nice display that visitors might want to actualy look at. By charging a discounted price it does at least cut that down. Sadly it also leads to some big gaps - one club near me was totally empty on Friday, another on Sunday.
I went i enjoyed it,
I do think the cars round the track need a change though, more bikes or more loud stuff, truck racing trucks, maybe even another class for odd stuff, like army vehicles, or something different.
Red arrows would be good, or certainly more in the air,
There didn't seem as many cars or stalls this year.
I will possibly give it a miss next year though, but only because the cars are a bit too regular now,
with regards to the camping theft, surely you would leave valuables in the car not in your tent.
I do think the cars round the track need a change though, more bikes or more loud stuff, truck racing trucks, maybe even another class for odd stuff, like army vehicles, or something different.
Red arrows would be good, or certainly more in the air,
There didn't seem as many cars or stalls this year.
I will possibly give it a miss next year though, but only because the cars are a bit too regular now,
with regards to the camping theft, surely you would leave valuables in the car not in your tent.
[quote
I have been going to "Chumly" for the past 7 years and will be giving it a miss for the next few years as I feel that it's gone stale with the majority of the cars being seen every year and there's only a handful of vantage points to photograph the cars on the circuit. It's a great event for the first timer but the car club and stall holder numbers were down this year as compared to previous years. They also need to look into their security as I heard of 2 instances of theft from tents.
[/quote]
Hi Lawrence, have you past on the comments to CPOP? i was talking to them yesterday after watching some people parking up and then walking in without paying?, so the overall security needs addressing especially if there were thefts from the tents.
In reply to another persons comments, yes valuables need to be locked in the car, but when you cant park your car anywhere near your tent, its not easy!!
i enjoyed the weekend and like you been coming every year, but the passion isnt their.. and why dont they listen to the suggestions,, without feedback they wont know why?
its not a GFOS and if they want it too they need to change things now... Vulcan would be lovely but people will watch it out side rather than pay to get in. they need fame and different things every year. and NOT at the same weekend as le mans. more advertising.. i know of it as like Lawrence i take photos, but would know it was on otherwise?
Yes Quo was there, but no one knew it,as it wasnt advertised.. id have it on the front page of every newspaper in a 40 mile radius... the 1500 odd people there were mostly going to be there anyway..get it on tv, anything
Steve Parish was there on saturday, but only with voice, same with some touring car drivers.. get them in a car or on a bike and let everyone see them. sign some autographs, make someones day with a competition to ride with the stars, F1 cars will be difficult as there isnt the tarmac like the GFOS, but convert that helecopter field into a rally course will attract more , especially when we are so close to Wales
dom
I have been going to "Chumly" for the past 7 years and will be giving it a miss for the next few years as I feel that it's gone stale with the majority of the cars being seen every year and there's only a handful of vantage points to photograph the cars on the circuit. It's a great event for the first timer but the car club and stall holder numbers were down this year as compared to previous years. They also need to look into their security as I heard of 2 instances of theft from tents.
[/quote]
Hi Lawrence, have you past on the comments to CPOP? i was talking to them yesterday after watching some people parking up and then walking in without paying?, so the overall security needs addressing especially if there were thefts from the tents.
In reply to another persons comments, yes valuables need to be locked in the car, but when you cant park your car anywhere near your tent, its not easy!!
i enjoyed the weekend and like you been coming every year, but the passion isnt their.. and why dont they listen to the suggestions,, without feedback they wont know why?
its not a GFOS and if they want it too they need to change things now... Vulcan would be lovely but people will watch it out side rather than pay to get in. they need fame and different things every year. and NOT at the same weekend as le mans. more advertising.. i know of it as like Lawrence i take photos, but would know it was on otherwise?
Yes Quo was there, but no one knew it,as it wasnt advertised.. id have it on the front page of every newspaper in a 40 mile radius... the 1500 odd people there were mostly going to be there anyway..get it on tv, anything
Steve Parish was there on saturday, but only with voice, same with some touring car drivers.. get them in a car or on a bike and let everyone see them. sign some autographs, make someones day with a competition to ride with the stars, F1 cars will be difficult as there isnt the tarmac like the GFOS, but convert that helecopter field into a rally course will attract more , especially when we are so close to Wales
dom
Edited by V8Dom on Monday 16th June 13:08
Hi Dom, yes, I sent James an e-mail whilst I was at home yesterday when I should have been track side. You're fully aware of my thoughts due to discussions whilst on site. I just feel that I need some time away and hopefully I'll see a change for the better upon my return. I've been to Rallylegend in San Marino every year since 2008 and in essence it's the same every year, but they do change the rally stage layout and add new items each year, something that Chumly need to do in mine, and others, opinions.
As I've said, it's a great day out for the first timer, but for what you and I go for, it needs refreshing.
As I've said, it's a great day out for the first timer, but for what you and I go for, it needs refreshing.
I had a good weekend but it definitely felt a weaker show this year.
It was notable that between the car club stands (which were affectively "outside" the show really, so got bypassed by lots of people heading straight for the entrance) and the paddock there was very little car related stuff. Fewer car manufacturers, although they are not generally of interest, and the majority of the stands seemed to be food stalls - probably the only ones to make enough margin to cover the pitch fee. Never found the "Auto jumble".
As Snapper8V says the displays such as JCB, the Freestyle motocross etc were missing and it generally felt that had cut down on the things that cost money to put on (Air displays, non- chargegeable attractions and fireworks etc) and if they have coupled that with higher trade pitch fees you can understand how it felt different.
Considering it was publicised as having an "italian" theme there was little evidence of that.
It must be a difficult balance to get right, its a commercial venture after all, and I must admit they have toughed it out through several years where the weather was poor to get it established but I do think it needs a bit of inspiration to move it on and keep people interested.
It was notable that between the car club stands (which were affectively "outside" the show really, so got bypassed by lots of people heading straight for the entrance) and the paddock there was very little car related stuff. Fewer car manufacturers, although they are not generally of interest, and the majority of the stands seemed to be food stalls - probably the only ones to make enough margin to cover the pitch fee. Never found the "Auto jumble".
As Snapper8V says the displays such as JCB, the Freestyle motocross etc were missing and it generally felt that had cut down on the things that cost money to put on (Air displays, non- chargegeable attractions and fireworks etc) and if they have coupled that with higher trade pitch fees you can understand how it felt different.
Considering it was publicised as having an "italian" theme there was little evidence of that.
It must be a difficult balance to get right, its a commercial venture after all, and I must admit they have toughed it out through several years where the weather was poor to get it established but I do think it needs a bit of inspiration to move it on and keep people interested.
Edited by andy-integrale on Monday 16th June 13:10
snapper8v said:
Hi Dom, yes, I sent James an e-mail whilst I was at home yesterday when I should have been track side. You're fully aware of my thoughts due to discussions whilst on site. I just feel that I need some time away and hopefully I'll see a change for the better upon my return. I've been to Rallylegend in San Marino every year since 2008 and in essence it's the same every year, but they do change the rally stage layout and add new items each year, something that Chumly need to do in mine, and others, opinions.
As I've said, it's a great day out for the first timer, but for what you and I go for, it needs refreshing.
i agree, can you pm me james email and ill send something too. Im passionate about this event as it local, so ive lots of ideas that could make them stand out, and like any business customer feed back is so importantAs I've said, it's a great day out for the first timer, but for what you and I go for, it needs refreshing.
Glad to see you there, and catch up soon
Dom
[quote=
I don't know how these events work with regard to the cars on the track - whether the owners pay for the privilege, or get paid by CPOP, or somewhere in between. I know it's by invitation, so I wonder how they decide who to invite, and whether they get many declining. Again, rumour only, but I'd heard some rumblings of a falling-out with the VSCC a few years back, which won't help with the entry list.
[/quote]
As an entrant I can tell you that you get one set of hospitality tickets for the weekend and you are expected to purchase sets for anyone else coming along at £180 pp. I received four gate tickets which include the concerts. I pay for transport, fuel, accommodation and even in hospitality if you want anything other than tea or coffee you pay.
The event is not FoS - personally I think it intends itself as a family day out for those with not a lot of prior connection with motorsport who want to see smoke, noise and a few iconic cars/bikes.
I'm a member of the VSCC
I don't know how these events work with regard to the cars on the track - whether the owners pay for the privilege, or get paid by CPOP, or somewhere in between. I know it's by invitation, so I wonder how they decide who to invite, and whether they get many declining. Again, rumour only, but I'd heard some rumblings of a falling-out with the VSCC a few years back, which won't help with the entry list.
[/quote]
As an entrant I can tell you that you get one set of hospitality tickets for the weekend and you are expected to purchase sets for anyone else coming along at £180 pp. I received four gate tickets which include the concerts. I pay for transport, fuel, accommodation and even in hospitality if you want anything other than tea or coffee you pay.
The event is not FoS - personally I think it intends itself as a family day out for those with not a lot of prior connection with motorsport who want to see smoke, noise and a few iconic cars/bikes.
I'm a member of the VSCC
I was there Friday and Saturday and came away feeling more disappointed this year than last, and even last year I thought it was getting a bit thin on content compared with previous years.
Had it not been for the fact I'd paid for the tickets in advance for Saturday when my Dad was coming from Yorkshire to see it for the first time, I wouldn't have bothered going back. I know Friday is a preview day and track action was limited, but the paddock seemed to have a fraction of the cars of the first few events (although probably more motorbikes than I remember).
However, as disappointed as I was with CPOP, the Status Quo concert totally surpassed my expectations! They put on a great performance which really finished the day on a high (a few beers and the missus driving home admittedly helped too
)
The organisers mentioned they've agreed with the promoters to make Friday night a rock music night for the next 5 years. I just hope they can put the same effort into bringing more automotive metal to CPOP itself, otherwise I fear interest from petrolheads will sadly fizzle out.
Had it not been for the fact I'd paid for the tickets in advance for Saturday when my Dad was coming from Yorkshire to see it for the first time, I wouldn't have bothered going back. I know Friday is a preview day and track action was limited, but the paddock seemed to have a fraction of the cars of the first few events (although probably more motorbikes than I remember).
However, as disappointed as I was with CPOP, the Status Quo concert totally surpassed my expectations! They put on a great performance which really finished the day on a high (a few beers and the missus driving home admittedly helped too
)The organisers mentioned they've agreed with the promoters to make Friday night a rock music night for the next 5 years. I just hope they can put the same effort into bringing more automotive metal to CPOP itself, otherwise I fear interest from petrolheads will sadly fizzle out.
Much like Lawrence et al, i've been to all 7 now and this year was there with a press hat on. In many ways it was quite a let down compared to previous years, it probably peaked in 2010 i'd say. The volume of attractions was way down, I did enquire at press sign on about numbers/ lack of Bentley visibility etc but still have no answers??
In some ways the slightly more low key feel added to the event and harked back to 2008, personally in the past i've offered to help set up something properly rally oriented, to no avail, and I believe they've no desire for 'names' as that would involve paying.
My best decription of the event is 'Cheshire Life' magazine brought to life, now that can be taken in many ways but the event really seemed to loose it's focus this year....the Mere was quiet,no Military displays,the big rally display was gone,Bentley not really there,traders down...and I can't help but feel that's all partly due to the approach so far of 'one hat fits all'...which it doesn't.
As i've written in an article, for a visit if you've never been great, but it's not really a 'yearly visit' as it's a bit samey...
In some ways the slightly more low key feel added to the event and harked back to 2008, personally in the past i've offered to help set up something properly rally oriented, to no avail, and I believe they've no desire for 'names' as that would involve paying.
My best decription of the event is 'Cheshire Life' magazine brought to life, now that can be taken in many ways but the event really seemed to loose it's focus this year....the Mere was quiet,no Military displays,the big rally display was gone,Bentley not really there,traders down...and I can't help but feel that's all partly due to the approach so far of 'one hat fits all'...which it doesn't.
As i've written in an article, for a visit if you've never been great, but it's not really a 'yearly visit' as it's a bit samey...
The last time there was a dedicated rally stage, basically a blast up and down a tarmac road, the then Slowly Sideways UK (now Rallying with Group B) requested a dedicated area. Chumly offered a gravel stage but this was turned down due to the drivers preferring tarmac, hence why there's no longer any rally presence. The reason that Rallying with Group B had a display last year along with two parade laps at the lunchtime interval was that they were invited by Wales Rally GB. It's such a shame that the club is no longer invited as when the cars completed their "parade lap", the amount of spectators that stood up to watch the cars go round was great. I was asked to help supply marshals for the tunnel sound off this year and approached RWGB who were willing to help if they had an invite from Chumly. I was told by Chumly that there was no available space.
I am involved with RWGB and they're involved with Bradford Council to put on a Rally show in August next year in a City park. More information to come during the coming mknths
I am involved with RWGB and they're involved with Bradford Council to put on a Rally show in August next year in a City park. More information to come during the coming mknths
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